#Uk driving test eyesight driver

For instance, as we grow older our eyes become less able to react quickly to changes in light and we start to have difficulty with colours and contrasts in poor light. This does not necessarily mean you would lose your licence – an assessment of your eyesight will be made.Įyesight can deteriorate gradually over time, and it can be difficult to realise it has fallen below the minimum standard. You can also receive free eye tests if you receive certain social security benefits.Īny condition that affects both eyes (or the remaining eye if you only have one eye), except long and short sightedness and colour blindness, should be reported to the DVLA (or the DVA in Northern Ireland). If you are 40 years or over, and have a mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter who has been diagnosed with glaucoma, you are also entitled to a free NHS sight test. You are entitled to a free eye test if you are 60 years or over, or have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma or have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma.

The best way to make sure that you meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving is to have an eyesight test at an opticians every two years, or more often if the optician advises. It is a good idea to keep a spare set of glasses in the glove compartment. If you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, you must wear them at all times when driving (see Rule 92 of the Highway Code). It is an offence not to do so, and may invalidate your motor insurance.

#Uk driving test eyesight driver

You must also have an adequate field of vision and a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary), using both eyes together or, one eye only if the driver only has sight in one eye. If you want to do your own number plate test, when walking down a street or in a car park, 20 metres is about 5 car lengths. In good daylight, you must be able to read a vehicle number plate from a distance of 20 metres (or from a distance of 20.5 metres for old style number plates).