Christopher Biggins 'depressed' after he's banned from driving at 76 years old

A huge I'm A Celebrity star has been slapped with a driving ban by the DVLA. Christopher Biggins, 76, was told this year that his license had expired and he would need an eye test in order to have it reinstated.

After attending an optician's appointment, Biggins discovered he had failed the eye examination and had been banned with immediate effect. "Ten days later [after the eye test], I got a letter from the DVLA saying I had failed my test and I wouldn't be getting my license back," he said.

But after the news, Biggins said he booked himself in for more eye tests in a bid to have his access reinstated. He visited a doctor at Homerton Hospital, who said that Biggins had a full clean bill of health, before he had another eye test.

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Two doctors had provided the TV legend with letters to back their opinions on his health, which he sent to the DVLA. However, they stood clear with their decision not to hand his license back and argued that the medical proof he had demonstrated "does not show that you are able to meet the required medical standards for driving."

Although he states his eyesight has not worsened, he has hit out at the DVLA for leaving him "depressed" and out of pocket as he now has to pay for taxis and public transport.

Biggins told the Daily Mail: "How can they disregard a hospital doctor and another optician? It has left me very depressed." He went on to add: "I travel a lot and I need to drive. Not long distance, for that I take the train. It is costing me a fortune in taxis. It is very unfair. I'm absolutely infuriated with their 'computer says no' attitude."

He also hit out at the government's decision to introduce eye tests for over-70s every three years if they want to keep their license, branding it "disgraceful," adding that thousands of people could risk losing their license "unfairly."

In response to Biggins' fury, a DVLA spokesperson said: "While we cannot comment on individual cases, all drivers must meet minimum eyesight standards to drive a vehicle. Whether a driver meets the eyesight standards can be tested through various means, including visual field and acuity, depending on the circumstances.

"These standards apply to all drivers and, if someone does not meet the required standards, they cannot be allowed on the road." Siobhan Thomas, a partner in the serious injury department at Hugh James Solicitors, is leading the campaign for the change to over 70s.

The proposed changes are designed to ensure that elderly drivers stay safe on the roads by addressing concerns about the natural decline in driving skills that can come with age. Siobhan Thomas clarified: "Depending on your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire, you may be required to undergo a medical assessment to assess your fitness to drive. These assessments are conducted by healthcare professionals, often your GP or a designated medical practitioner.

"Medical assessments may include vision tests, cognitive assessments, and discussions about specific health conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely." She added: "In some cases, drivers aged 70 and above may be asked to take a practical driving test as part of the renewal process. This is more common if there are concerns about your ability to drive safely based on your self-assessment questionnaire or medical assessments.

"The practical driving test is similar to the test taken when obtaining your initial driving licence. It assesses your ability to operate a vehicle safely in various road and traffic conditions."

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