Drivers Urged To Get Their Eyesight Checked To Stay Safe On The Roads
Motorists are being urged to check their eyesight regularly, as clear vision remains essential for safe driving and meeting legal standards on UK roads.
Drivers must be able to recognise a vehicle registration plate from a distance of 20 metres in good daylight, using glasses or contact lenses if required. They must also meet the minimum visual acuity standard of 6/12 on the Snellen scale, measured with both eyes open or using the only functioning eye where applicable. Meeting these requirements is a legal responsibility for everyone who holds a driving licence.
Eyesight problems can develop gradually, meaning some motorists may not immediately recognise changes that could affect their ability to drive safely. Difficulty reading road signs, judging distances, recognising hazards or driving comfortably at night can indicate that vision needs professional attention. Regular appointments with an optician can help identify changes early and establish whether corrective lenses or further treatment may be necessary.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) advises motorists to tell it about eyesight conditions that affect both eyes, or the remaining eye if someone has sight in only one eye. Drivers who need glasses or contact lenses to meet the required standard must wear them whenever they are behind the wheel. Anyone who no longer meets the minimum eyesight requirements must stop driving and follow the relevant DVLA procedures.
The rules also apply to the overall field of vision, which is important for identifying vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards approaching from different directions. Drivers may have sufficient clarity when looking straight ahead but still experience problems with their peripheral vision. Conditions affecting the visual field can therefore have serious implications for road safety and may require medical assessment before someone can continue driving.
Drivers of buses and lorries face additional eyesight requirements because of the responsibilities associated with operating larger vehicles. They must achieve a visual acuity of at least 6/7.5 in their better eye and 6/60 in their other eye. Their horizontal field of vision must also meet a higher standard, with an uninterrupted range of at least 160 degrees. These requirements are assessed as part of the medical standards for professional driving licences.
The DVLA recommends that motorists seek professional advice if they notice changes in their eyesight rather than waiting until their next routine appointment. Drivers who are unsure whether their vision meets the legal standard should speak to an optician or doctor. Failing to meet the required eyesight standards while continuing to drive can result in prosecution, while an appropriate eye examination can help identify problems and determine whether it is safe to remain on the road.
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