Driving Eyesight Rules: What Every Learner Driver Needs to Know

Good eyesight is essential for safe driving. You need to be able to see road signs, recognise hazards, judge distances and be aware of other road users.

Before you can drive on public roads, you must meet the legal eyesight standards for driving.

In this guide, we’ll explain the eyesight requirements for car drivers, what happens during the practical driving test eyesight check and when you may need to inform the DVLA about an eye condition.

1. What Are the Legal Eyesight Requirements for Driving?

To drive a car legally in Great Britain, you must meet the required standards of vision.

These include three main requirements:

Reading a Number Plate

You must be able to read a standard vehicle number plate from a distance of 20 metres in good daylight.

You can wear glasses or contact lenses if you need them to meet this requirement.

Visual Acuity

You must also have a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale.

This must be achieved using both eyes together or, if you have sight in only one eye, using that eye.

You can wear your glasses or contact lenses when meeting this standard.

Field of Vision

You must have an adequate field of vision.

This means having sufficient peripheral vision to be aware of what is happening around you.

Your optician can assess your field of vision and advise whether it meets the required standard.

Important: Being able to read a number plate from 20 metres does not, by itself, prove that you meet every eyesight requirement for driving.

2. The Eyesight Test at Your Practical Driving Test

At the beginning of your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you to read a number plate on a parked vehicle.

You must be able to read the number plate from the required distance.

You can wear your glasses or contact lenses if you normally need them for driving.

What Happens If You Cannot Read the Number Plate?

If you cannot read the number plate, you will fail your driving test and the test will not continue.

The DVLA will be informed and your driving licence will be revoked.

If this happens, you will need to follow the DVLA’s instructions about reapplying for your licence and completing the required eyesight assessment.

You must not continue driving unless you are legally entitled to do so and meet the required eyesight standards.

3. Can You Drive If You Wear Glasses or Contact Lenses?

Yes. Wearing glasses or contact lenses does not prevent you from learning to drive or taking your practical test.

If you need them to meet the legal eyesight standards, you must wear them whenever you drive.

Make sure your prescription is suitable and that you can see clearly when driving.

If your eyesight changes or you start having difficulty seeing clearly, arrange an appointment with your optician.

4. Can You Drive If You Have Sight in Only One Eye?

Having sight in only one eye does not automatically mean you cannot drive.

You may still be able to meet the required eyesight standards, provided your remaining eye meets the necessary visual requirements.

However, certain eye conditions must be reported to DVLA.

If you have lost sight in one eye or have an eye condition affecting your vision, seek advice from your optician or eye specialist and check the official DVLA guidance before driving.

5. Do You Need to Tell the DVLA About an Eye Condition?

Some eye conditions can affect your ability to drive safely.

You must tell DVLA about certain conditions affecting your eyesight, particularly where they affect both eyes or your remaining eye if you have sight in only one eye.

Conditions that may need to be reported include:

Glaucoma.
Double vision (diplopia).
Night blindness (nyctalopia).
Retinitis pigmentosa.
Certain forms of diabetic retinopathy.
Blepharospasm.

This is not a complete list. The reporting requirements depend on the specific condition and your circumstances.

You do not normally need to report being short-sighted, long-sighted or colour blind if you meet the required eyesight standards.

If you are unsure, check the official DVLA guidance or speak to your optician or eye specialist.

Check which eye conditions you must report to DVLA – GOV.UK

Failing to tell DVLA about a medical condition that must be reported can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

6. What About Bus and Lorry Drivers?

Drivers of buses and lorries must meet stricter eyesight standards than ordinary car drivers.

These include higher visual acuity requirements and specific field-of-vision standards.

If you are applying for a bus or lorry licence, check the separate DVLA requirements.

Read the legal eyesight standards for driving – GOV.UK

7. Tips for Looking After Your Eyesight

Good eyesight is important throughout your driving life, not just when you are learning.

Here are some sensible ways to look after your vision:

Have regular eye examinations.
Wear your prescribed glasses or contact lenses when driving.
Keep your glasses clean and in good condition.
Avoid driving if your eyesight suddenly becomes blurred or impaired.
Seek advice if you notice changes in your vision.
Follow your optician’s recommendations about further checks.

Remember that eyesight can change over time, so don’t assume that meeting the standard today means you will always meet it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I learn to drive if I wear glasses?

Yes. You can learn to drive and take your practical test while wearing glasses or contact lenses, provided you meet the required eyesight standards.

Do I need to wear my glasses during my driving test?

If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the eyesight standard, you must wear them during your driving test and whenever you drive.

What happens if I fail the eyesight test at the start of my practical test?

You will fail the test, and it will not continue. DVLA will be informed, and your licence will be revoked.

Can I drive if I am colour blind?

Colour blindness does not automatically prevent you from driving. You must still meet the required eyesight standards.

How often should I have an eye test?

There is no single legal interval requiring every driver to have an eye test every two years. Follow your optician’s advice about how frequently you should have your eyes checked.

Official Driving Eyesight Guidance

For the latest legal requirements and advice, use these official resources:

FQ Driving Academy – Helping learner drivers learn, prepare and drive with confidence. Last reviewed: November 2026

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Driving Eyesight Rules