Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 How the new road safety measures could affect you

The government is proposing lowering alcohol limits for drivers and regular eye tests for older motorists.
Vision checks for older drivers: Drivers over 70 may be required to have their vision checked every three years, rather than just declaring they can see well enough to drive. Cognitive testing for older drivers: The government plans to develop options for cognitive testing to assess older drivers' abilities. Minimum learning period for learner drivers: Learner drivers may face a minimum six-month wait between passing the theory test and taking the practical test, which could reduce collisions by up to 32%. Lowered drink-drive limits: The limit for learner and recently qualified drivers would be lowered from 80mg per 100ml of blood to around 20mg, while all other drivers' limit would be reduced from 80mg to around 50mg. Alcolocks in offender's vehicles: Some drink-drive offenders may be required to have "alcolocks" installed in their vehicle, which prevent the car from being started or driven unless a breath test is passed. Changes to motorbike training and safety: The government plans to overhaul motorcycle training, including changing Compulsory Basic Training and introducing new helmet-wearing schemes. Enforcement updates: Proposed measures include suspending licences for suspected drink or drug drivers until they appear in court, giving penalty points for not wearing a seatbelt, and tougher punishments for driving without insurance or an MOT.
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