Andy Burnham is about to slap pensioners in the face - drivers will be red hot with rage

Andy Burnham is about to slap pensioners in the face - drivers will be red hot with rage Andy Burnham could slap pensioners around the face, Luke Chillingsworth writes. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments OPINION By Luke Chillingsworth , Cars Reporter 16:00, Sat, Oct 17, 2026 Andy Burnham may oversee major changes for older drivers (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham could oversee major new rule changes that will slap over 70s completely in the face; pensioners will likely be furious. Labour’s Road Safety Strategy, published earlier this year, pledged to consult on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers above the age of 70. This has been widely discussed and pensioners are probably well aware that the DfT is looking into the concept. However, pensioners may not be aware that Labour also pledged to look into options for “cognitive testing for older drivers”. Say that again? Yes, I really did say that. The report went further, claiming that “cognitive function and increased frailty” could pose a risk to all road users. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The DfT consultation on eyesight testing changes held over the spring also claimed that “consideration will be given” to other fitness to drive measures, which included the introduction of cognitive assessments . However, specific details on what these officials mean by “cognitive checks” is still unclear. Over 70s are likely to be red hot with rage at just how little has been revealed. Still, it doesn’t take a genius to work out what it could lead to. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Completely speculating now, at a very minimum, that is likely to mean some form of reaction time test. But where will it end? Could older road users be assessed on their problem-solving or decision-making capabilities, too, quite possibly? Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The bigger question is how will all of this work? That’s also still something that hasn’t been confirmed or even discussed at this stage. Will it get to the point that pensioners will be sitting exam papers like students? Grandparents eagerly await the nod as to whether they can indeed retain their licence and stay on the road? Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Andy Burnham's October driveway rules have a major problem - motorists should be furious Older drivers are facing eyesight tests and possibly 'cognitive' checks to stay on the road (Image: Getty) The new updates are likely to be unpopular among older drivers (Image: Getty) Will this be for every driver after 70? Or only those with pre-existing cognitive conditions? If it's the latter, how will officials be able to filter out who is fine and who is lying? Road users hiding their true condition is one of the biggest reasons why eyesight checks could soon become mandatory. Simply saying that "consideration will be given” to cognitive checks is leaving everyone with more questions than answers. It’s dropping a bombshell and walking out of the room. Mandatory eyesight testing is clearly the priority, which is why we’ve heard more, although no changes have been confirmed despite the consultation ending in May. For now, older drivers are safe; the Government would be required to publish a detailed consultation paper outlining the exact rules around cognitive checks before anything is finalised. Maybe then we will know more? In the meantime, pensioners face an anxious wait. Andy Burnham Driving laws Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments