Standards of vision for driving

It is essential that you check your vision regularly to ensure you are fit to drive. A recent study found that a worrying one in eight drivers who knew they need glasses or contact lenses to drive, had knowingly driven without them in the past year.

The DVLA has two vision standards that must be met*

• You must be able to read a car number plate at 20m (67ft) or approximately four car lengths. You should wear whatever contact lenses or glasses you usually wear for driving to test whether your vision is good enough to drive.
• You must have an adequate field of vision, also known as peripheral vision.

This is measured as part of your eye examination on a visual fields machine. It is possible to meet the driving standards even if you only have sight in one eye as long as you are well adapted to this.

If your vision is found to be below these standards then your motoring insurance is invalid. It is your responsibility to inform the DVLA if you do not meet these standards. And is also your responsibility to test your own vision regularly.

You could be prosecuted if you drive without meeting the standards of vision for driving.

Please ask any of our optometrists if you have any queries around vision and driving. *These rules apply for Group 1 driving licenses.