Your eyesight is crucial for safe driving. Whether you’re learning to drive or preparing for your practical test, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements and how they apply to you. Here’s what you need to know:
📋 Legal Requirements for Car Drivers
To legally drive a car in the UK, you must:
- Read a number plate (with glasses or contact lenses if necessary) from 20 metres away. This applies to number plates made after 1 September 2001.
- Have a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale, using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye.
- Have an adequate field of vision. Your optician can test this to ensure your peripheral vision meets the required standard.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses to meet these standards, you must wear them every time you drive. Failing to do so can result in fines or prosecution if you’re involved in an accident. GOV.UK
🧪 The Practical Driving Test Eyesight Test
At the start of your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you to read a number plate on a parked vehicle. If you cannot read it:
- The examiner will ask you to read another number plate.
- If you still cannot read the second number plate, the test will not continue, and your licence will be revoked.
When you reapply for your driving licence, you’ll need to have an eyesight test with DVSA at a driving test centre. If successful, you’ll still have to pass the DVSA standard eyesight test at your next practical driving test.
👁️ Monocular Vision (Sight in One Eye)
If you have sight in only one eye, you may still be able to meet the visual standards for driving. However, you must:
- Notify the DVLA about your condition.
- Ensure your remaining eye meets the required visual standards.
- Adapt to monocular vision before driving. It’s advisable to consult with your GP, optician, or eye specialist for guidance.
🚌 Higher Standards for Bus and Lorry Drivers
If you drive a bus or lorry, the visual standards are stricter:
- Visual acuity: At least decimal 0.8 (6/7.5) in your better eye and at least decimal 0.1 (6/60) in your other eye.
- Field of vision: An uninterrupted horizontal visual field of at least 160°, with extensions of at least 70° left and right and 30° up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30°.
If you cannot meet these standards but held your licence before 1 January 1997, you may still be eligible to renew it.
🚨 Reporting Eye Conditions to the DVLA
You must inform the DVLA if you have an eye condition that:
- Affects both eyes or
- Affects one eye, and you have sight in only that eye.
Conditions to report include:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts (if you have increased sensitivity to glare)
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Nyctalopia (night blindness)
- Diabetic retinopathy (with laser treatment)
- Blepharospasm
- Loss of an eye
- Macular degeneration
Failure to report these conditions can result in fines up to £1,000 and potential prosecution if you’re involved in an accident.
🧠 Instructor Tip
“As an instructor, I advise all learners to have regular eye tests, at least every two years, or more often if recommended by your optician. If you’re unsure whether you meet the eyesight standards, consult with your GP or optician before your driving test.”
For more detailed information, refer to the official DVSA resources:
