Vision for Drivers – The Facts

Good eyesight is essential for safe driving and poor vision can impair your driving performance. You are responsible for ensuring that your vision meets the specified minimum requirements every time that you drive. If you notice or suspect any change in your vision, do not delay, visit your optometrist or optician.

Drivers eye testIf advised to wear spectacles or contact lenses for driving (or distance vision) you should wear them at all times when driving.

The current UK standard for Group 1 (car and motorcycle) drivers is the ability to read in good light (with the aid of spectacles or contact lenses, if worn) a number plate at:

  • 20m for vehicles displaying the new-style number plate
  • 20.5m for vehicles displaying the old-style number plate

Different standards apply to Group 2 (lorry and bus) drivers, who require a documented assessment of vision to renew their licence.

It is a criminal offence to drive with eyesight below the legal standard.

10 Key Facts for Drivers

  2. Commonly reported problems include not seeing road or street signs, and difficulties driving in twilight or night conditions, which might indicate an underlying eye condition or disease.
  7. Eye diseases and conditions that affect vision can occur at any age, although they are more common in people aged over 60, and other groups such as those with a family history of glaucoma and those with diabetes.
  8. Drivers aged 70 years and over must renew their license every 3 years and declare that they still meet the medical standards to drive including the vision standard.

Produced by the Optical Confederation


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