Motorists across the UK are reminded they must comply with a 20-metre eyesight requirement or face possible prosecution. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) maintains strict regulations concerning driving standards.
The Government website makes it clear that all drivers must be able to correctly read a vehicle number plate from a distance of 20 metres (65 feet). This applies whether or not glasses or contact lenses are worn.
Additional eyesight criteria must also be met to be considered safe behind the wheel. On GOV.UK it states: "You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.
"You must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye. You must also have an adequate field of vision - your optician can tell you about this and do a test."
The guidance warns: "You could be prosecuted if you drive without meeting the standards of vision for driving." Furthermore, you must ensure you wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive if you require them to meet the "standards of vision for driving".
If you have any eyesight problems
If you experience any difficulties with your vision, it doesn't automatically mean you're barred from driving. You must, however, inform the DVLA of any issues. "You must tell DVLA if you've got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye," GOV.UK states. "This does not include being short or long sighted or colour blind.
"You also do not need to say if you've had surgery to correct short sightedness and can meet the eyesight standards." To check whether you need to notify DVLA about your eyesight condition, you can use an online service here.
Failing to inform the DVLA of any vision problems you have that could affect your driving could lead to a £1,000 fine.
Driving test
The 20-metre rule is tested during your practical driving test. At the start of your practical driving test you must correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle.
"If you cannot, you'll fail your driving test and the test will not continue," GOV.UK states. "DVLA will be told and your licence will be revoked.
"When you reapply for your driving licence, DVLA will ask you to have an eyesight test with DVSA. This will be at a driving test centre. If you're successful, you'll still have to pass the DVSA standard eyesight test at your next practical driving test."
Lorry and bus drivers
Slightly more stringent eyesight requirements apply to lorry and bus drivers. You must achieve a visual acuity of at least 0.8 (6/7.5) measured on the Snellen scale in your strongest eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) on the Snellen scale in the other eye. GOV.UK states: "You can reach this standard using glasses with a corrective power not more than (+) 8 dioptres, or with contact lenses. There's no specific limit for the corrective power of contact lenses.
"You must have an uninterrupted horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees with an extension of at least 70 degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30 degrees."
You may still be eligible to renew your lorry or bus licence if you cannot meet these standards but held your licence before 1 January 1997. For further information, visit the Government website here.
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Proposed changes for drivers over 70
The Department for Transport (DfT) is currently running a consultation on the potential introduction of compulsory eyesight testing for older drivers. The consultation period runs until May 11, 2026.
It is seeking views on:
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- Potentially moving away from the current self-declaration system for eyesight standards for drivers aged 70 and over
- Introducing mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers as part of the driving licence renewal process
To discover more about the consultation, visit the Government website here.
Context:
Drivers must read number plates from 20 metres or face prosecution and up to £1,000 fines for non-compliance.
Context:
Poor eyesight causes thousands of accidents annually, making these standards crucial for road safety.
Context:
New proposals may introduce mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 as part of license renewal process.