Keeping your vision roadworthy is your responsibility and is essential for your safety and everyone else’s. In this guide we'll cover what the rules and legal eyesight standards are in the UK.
Key takeaways:
- In the UK, you need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, and meet minimum standards for visual acuity and field of vision.
- Planning to drive a bus or lorry? The rules are stricter, including higher visual acuity and a specified field of vision.
- If you have monocular vision, you may still be able to drive, as long as you tell the DVLA and your remaining eye meets official standards.
- If you have an eye condition or a problem that affects your driving, you may need to tell the DVLA. If you don’t, you could be prosecuted, and it could affect your insurance cover.
- Needing glasses or contacts, or being short sighted, long sighted or colour blind, doesn’t normally need to be reported to the DVLA, as long as you meet the other eyesight standards.
What are the legal eyesight standards for driving?
In the UK, you need to read a number plate from 20 metres away. That’s about five car lengths. If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you’re using them while driving.
You also need to meet a minimum level of visual acuity. If we're being precise, you need to score 6/12 on the Snellen scale.
How much you can see around you without moving your head is also important. This is often referred to as your field of vision. And it allows you to pick up movement and hazards to your sides, such as cyclists, pedestrians or other cars.
You can stay up to date on the latest driving eyesight rules by following government guidance.
Lorry and bus drivers eyesight rules
Lorry and bus drivers have tougher rules, and for good reason. The size and weight of these vehicles mean sharper vision is needed to operate them safely.
You’ll be tested against something called the Snellen scale. And you’ll need to score 6/7.5 in your better eye and 6/60 in the other. Plus, you have to have a horizontal field of at least 160°.
Regular medical check-ups are also required, including vision tests to ensure you’re meeting the stricter standards. And, if you have any problem affecting either eye, you’ll have to let the DVLA know.
Can an optician do the tests I need for driving?
Absolutely! Opticians are equipped to check your eyesight for driving. When you go to book your standard eye check-up, you can ask for your optician to do an additional field of vision test.
Then, they’ll be able to let you know if your glasses or contacts need updating.
Do I need to tell the DVLA if I need glasses or have poor eyesight?
If you wear glasses or contacts to meet the legal standard, there’s no need to tell the DVLA.
However, if you’re diagnosed with an eye condition or you have a problem affecting your eyesight, you'll need to inform them. It’s relatively quick and easy to do online via the DVLA reporting service.
If you don’t tell the DVLA when you need to, you could be prosecuted, and your insurer might not pay out if you have an accident.
Medical causes for poor eyesight
Certain medical conditions can impact your vision and your ability to drive. These include glaucoma, night blindness (nyctalopia), involuntary eyelid spasms (blepharospasm) and diabetic retinopathy.
Not sure whether your condition needs reporting? Ask your GP or optician.
Can I drive with one eye?
If you have monocular vision, meaning you only have one working eye, you may still be able to drive in the UK.
However, you must inform the DVLA. And, it’s important that your remaining eye meets the legal standards and has an adequate field-of-vision.
The DVLA might also ask you to have an eyesight test with an optician.
Losing vision in one eye, or having it drastically worsen, can be a stressful thing to happen. And, it can sometimes take up to 3 months before you’re fully adjusted to driving with one eye.
If in doubt, you can ask your doctor or optician when it’s safe to drive again.
Are my eyes tested on a driving test?
Yes, they are. Your driving test begins with a quick vision check. The examiner will ask you to read a number plate from 20 metres away. Fail this, and your test won’t continue - so it’s worth making sure your eyesight is up to scratch before booking.
After your driving test it's worth keeping on top of regular optician appointments in case there are any changes with your eyesight.
Drivers over 60 and 70
Eyesight naturally changes as we age, often without us noticing. And, if you're going off the NHS recommendation, it's worth having your eyes tested every two years.
If you're over 70, you must renew your licence every 3 years. During renewal, you’ll need to confirm that your vision still meets the legal standard.
It’s a good idea to schedule regular eye tests as you get older - it’s not just about staying legal; it’s about staying safe.
What's the punishment for not following the eyesight laws?
There can be serious consequences if you’re caught driving with eyesight that doesn’t meet the DVLA standards. You could be prosecuted, and penalties can include a fine, 3 penalty points and, in some cases, losing your licence.
You can also be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving.
And, if your poor vision causes an accident, you could face more serious consequences, including being held liable. However, scheduling regular eye tests can help you - and others on the road - stay safe.
Does needing glasses affect my car insurance price?
Needing glasses or contacts to meet the legal standard isn’t something you normally need to tell the DVLA about. Check your insurer’s questions and your policy, though. If you’re involved in an accident and it turns out your eyesight didn’t meet the legal standard, your insurer might refuse to pay out.
A simple way to avoid this? Keep your prescription up to date and tell your insurer about any condition you’ve reported to the DVLA. You can compare car insurance quotes to see what’s available.
Are there any rules for people with colour blindness?
Yes, if you’re colour blind, you can still drive, but you’ll need to rely on recognising traffic lights and signs based on their position and shape rather than their colour. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the system before getting behind the wheel.
Tips to stay safe on the road if you wear glasses or contacts
- Always carry a spare pair of glasses in your car - you never know when you might need them.
- Make sure your prescription is up to date. Don’t wait until things get blurry to book an eye test.
- Consider anti-glare lenses or prescription sunglasses for driving in bright or low-light conditions.
- Keep your glasses or contacts clean. Dust and smudges can reduce visibility and increase glare.
Keeping your eyesight in check is part of being a safe and responsible driver. Got questions? Speak to an optician or check out the GOV.UK website for more guidance.
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