Whenever you want to drive on the road, you need to meet what the law calls ‘the standards of vision for driving’. Anyone on the road who can't meet this is not only risking their life and others, but could also face strong punishments including penalty points on their licence, fines or even a prison sentence.
Nowadays learner drivers have their eyesight checked before they are allowed to complete a practical test. Also, thanks to Cassie’s Law, introduced in 2013, the police have the power to immediately revoke the licence of drivers who fail a roadside eye test.
If there’s something you’d like to know about Britain’s rules on driving eyesight, then this is the guide for you.
DVLA eyesight rules and the law
The law deems your eyesight to be safe for driving if you can read a licence plate from 20 metres away when conditions are clear. For reference, 20 meters is roughly the same length as four or five family cars.
If you already have a driving licence and a car, but at some point you become unable to read a licence plate as far as required, then your insurance becomes invalid. If you do have a problem with your eyesight that affects both eyes, then you must report this to the DVLA.
You also need to report to the DVLA if you have certain eyesight conditions like cataracts, double vision or glaucoma.
It’s not necessary, however, to report being short or long sighted or colour blind, as long as you can still meet the law’s eyesight requirements. You’re also not obliged to report any surgery you’ve had to correct short sightedness if you now meet legal requirements.
You are also allowed to drive with only one eye in use, provided your sight allows you to see a licence plate from the minimum required distance.
The driving eyesight test
There are a few different scenarios which can lead to you taking a driving eyesight test.
At the start of a practical driving test nowadays, your examiner will test your vision by asking you to read a number plate on a parked vehicle which is about 20 metres away. If you’re unable to do this, the driving test can not continue.
If at some point you reapply for your driving licence, the DVLA will ask you to take an eyesight test with the Driver and Vehcile Standards Agency (DVSA) at a driving test centre. Even if you pass this, you’ll still have to go through a standard eyesight check from your examiner when the practical driving test comes around.
If at any time you want to determine whether or not you have an adequate field of vision before any driving, you can check by visiting an optician for an eyesight test.
Using glasses for driving
If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to drive, then you should always wear them while behind the wheel. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare pair of glasses or lenses on you or in the car, as they can come particularly in handy on long journeys.
Some glasses are better for driving than others. For instance, glasses with thin rims and high sides are good as they improve all-round vision. Polarising lenses reduce glare, so they are a good choice for driving when it’s sunny and bright.
Feel free to ask your optician what lens design they recommend for driving if you’re still not sure.