LONDON — The UK government is moving ahead with a major overhaul of driving laws in England and Wales, with proposed changes designed to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads.

One of the most significant proposals concerns older motorists, with the government considering compulsory eyesight and cognitive assessments as part of the licence-renewal process for drivers aged 70 and above.

The reforms are part of a wider road-safety strategy aimed at cutting serious collisions and improving driver fitness. Ministers are also examining measures involving drink-driving, learner drivers and other high-risk road behaviour.

The proposed eyesight checks could represent a major change for older motorists, as the current system relies heavily on drivers declaring whether they are medically fit to continue driving.

Road-safety organisations have broadly welcomed stronger assessment of driver fitness, while stressing that any new requirements should be properly enforced and supported by adequate resources for roads policing.

The government says the reforms are intended to make Britain's roads safer without unfairly removing mobility from people who remain capable of driving safely.

The proposals could affect millions of motorists over the coming years, making the consultation one of the most closely watched transport-policy developments for British drivers.

Further consultations and legislation will be required before many of the proposed measures become law, meaning motorists should not assume that the new requirements are immediately in force.

The government says the ultimate goal is straightforward: fewer deaths, fewer serious injuries and safer roads across England and Wales.