Millions of motorists who wear glasses or contact lenses must comply with these requirements
Millions of motorists who wear glasses or contact lenses must comply with these requirements
Millions of motorists who depend on glasses or contact lenses have been issued a reminder that they must wear them every time they get behind the wheel if they’re needed to meet legal eyesight standards. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued the warning, stating that drivers who fail to meet minimum vision requirements could face prosecution and the loss of their licence.
According to the regulations, anyone requiring glasses or contact lenses for clear vision must wear them whenever they’re driving. Motorists must be capable of reading a number plate from 20 metres away – approximately the length of five parked cars – whilst wearing any corrective lenses they normally use.
They must also meet the legal eyesight standard of visual acuity of at least 6/12 (decimal 0.5) on the Snellen scale, using both eyes together or their remaining eye if they only have sight in one. Drivers must also have an adequate field of vision, which can be assessed by an optician through specialist testing.
When drivers must inform the DVLA
Motorists are obliged to notify the DVLA if they develop any eyesight condition that affects both eyes, or their remaining eye if they only have one. However, certain common conditions don’t need to be reported, including being short-sighted, long-sighted or colour blind, as long as the driver can still meet the required vision standards.
Those who have undergone laser surgery to correct short-sightedness also don’t need to inform the DVLA if their eyesight now meets the legal requirements. However, if drivers report a medical condition that impacts their vision, the DVLA may refer them for a complimentary eyesight test with a contracted optician.
Drivers have the option to undergo an eyesight test elsewhere, but they will be responsible for the cost. Furthermore, the DVLA does not guarantee acceptance of the results unless they include an Esterman visual field test.
Stricter standards for lorry and bus drivers
Professional drivers, such as those operating lorries or buses, are subject to stricter standards. They must have a visual acuity of at least 6/7.5 in their best eye and 6/60 in the other, as measured on the Snellen scale.
Additionally, they must have a horizontal field of vision of at least 160 degrees, with no defects within the central 30 degrees. Corrective glasses can be worn provided their strength does not exceed +8 dioptres, whilst there is no specific limit for contact lenses.
The eyesight assessment that can result in driving test failure
Eyesight is also assessed during the practical driving test administered by the DVLA. At the beginning of the test, learners are required to read a number plate on a parked vehicle.
If they fail to do so, they automatically fail and the test is discontinued. The DVLA will be informed and their licence will be revoked.
To regain their licence, they must first pass a DVSA eyesight test at a driving test centre before they can retake the practical driving test.
