Claims made on social media have suggested prime minister Andy Burnham is proposing to make drivers over the age of 70 pass another driving test to continue driving on UK roads.
In one Facebook post which has more than 1,800 likes, it states: “What have I and my fellow pensioners done to upset our new Prime Minister.”
“Today he is talking of all drivers over 70 taking a new driving test,” it added.
In the comments people have said they feel “betrayed” by the policy.
But this claim is not accurate and people aged 70 and over won’t have to retake their driving tests under new government rules.
Here, The Independent looks at what has actually been proposed.
What has been proposed for drivers in their 70s?
Rather than take a whole new test the proposal plans for drivers in their 70s to have their vision checked every three years to stay driving on UK roads.
This is also not a new policy announced by Mr Burnham but a policy which was first discussed in August 2025 during Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, as part of a new road safety strategy.
The proposal went to consultation earlier this year between January and May.
What are the current rules for drivers over 70?
Currently drivers aged 70 and over must renew their licence every three years and self declare that they can meet the eyesight standards required to drive. Drivers also must declare any of the listed medical conditions.
But the new proposal means drivers will no longer be able to simply say that their eyesight is good, instead there will be mandatory eyesight tests as part of the licence renewal process.
What proposals are being considered for drivers born after 2002?
As part of the Road Safety Strategy that was initially developed under Sir Keir Starmer’s former government, drivers born after 2002 may face stricter measures.
Andy Burnham’s new government is weighing proposals to implement a “minimum learning period for learner drivers”.
Learners, the majority of whom are in their late teens and early 20s, could have to wait six months between their theory test and practical driving test as part of the plans.
Drivers under the age of 25 represent 6 per cent of licence holders but were involved in 24 per cent of fatal and serious crashes in 2024, according to Government figures.
Ministers believe minimum learning periods could help to reduce such collisions by up to 32 per cent, based on evidence from other countries.
Currently, someone can start learning to drive from the age of 17 with lessons on the road.
