Drivers should be made to have an eye test every ten years, according to the Driving Instructors Association.
Research indicates that 13 million UK motorists are breaking the law and putting themselves and others at risk because of poor vision.
Eddie Barnaville, chief executive, of the Driving Instructors Association, said: "So many people are driving with defective eyesight and that makes them a danger to themselves and other road users.
"The risk is that they are unable to judge distances properly and that is a major concern.
"If people had their eyesight tested more regularly it would be much safer on our roads."
Currently motorists can drive legally until they are 70 years old without having to have their eyes tested.
Mr Barnaville said: "It seems logical to introduce compulsory eye tests every ten years now because photo card licences need to be replaced every ten years and it provides the ideal opportunity to ensure a driver's vision is adequate."
Despite tough laws on eyesight for motorists in other EU countries, the UK's driving eyesight requirements are simple.
As long as drivers can read an old-style number plate from 20.5 metres and a new-style number plate from 20 metres they are allowed to drive.
Phillip Gwynne, of the West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, said: "There is a growing wealth of opinion that the UK should introduce a system of licences that means drivers have to reapply for their licence every few years. This system works very well in America.
"It should not only involve having regular eye tests, it should also include making sure drivers have knowledge of new road signs introduced since they passed their tests."
Mr Barnaville said: "As people get older their eyesight tends to falter, but as far as a UK driving licence is concerned, a motorist's eyesight remains the same until the age of 70.
"We would like to see every driving licence applicant produce an eyesight report, following an eyesight test conducted by a qualified optometrist, before any part of a UK driving test can be conducted."
Stephen Phillips, manager at Dolland and Aitchison in Bradford, said: "We recommend that people have their eyes tested at least once every two years.
"This ensures that we can identify any problems such as glaucoma and diabetes and it also ensures that people's eyesight is adequate for driving."
e-mail: jennifer.sugden @bradford.newsquest.co.uk
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