Learner drivers across the UK have been warned that their test could be cancelled before it even begins. If you are learning to drive, you may want to conduct an eyesight test well before you sit your practical test or take your first lesson, if you are concerned.
This is because “at the start of your practical driving test, you have to correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle”, the GOV.UK website notes. It stresses: “If you cannot, you’ll fail your driving test and the test will not continue. 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.”
What are the visual standards for driving?
The visual standard for driving is the ability to read, with glasses or contact lenses if needed, a car number plate made after September 1, 2001 from 20 metres away. If you are unsure if you meet this, you can ask your opticians to book you in for a test.
You should be able to:
- read a number plate from 20 metres away
- have no double vision
- have a normal field of vision in at least one eye (your optician can test this)
The GOV.UK warns drivers: “If you’re not sure if you meet the visual standards for driving, you should get advice from your GP, optician or an eye specialist.”
Tell DVLA
The gov.uk website states that if you have any conditions that affect your driving, you must inform the DVLA. It explains: “You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving.” Not only this, but a driver may be prosecuted if they are involved in an accident as a result.
The eye conditions you must tell DVLA about are:
- blepharospasm
- diabetic retinopathy (with laser treatment)
- diplopia (double vision)
- glaucoma
- nyctalopia (night blindness)
- retinitis pigmentosa
You must tell DVLA if any of the following apply:
- your eye condition affects both eyes
- your eye condition affects one eye – but you only have vision in that eye
- you have retinitis pigmentosa that affects one or both eyes
- a GP, optician or eye specialist has said you should not drive
- you do not meet the visual standards for driving
To tell the DVLA about any issues with your eyes, you should report your eye condition online as soon as possible. You can report your condition online here. If you have a condition in one eye and another condition affecting your other eye, you need to fill in and send form V1 to DVLA. The address is on the form. You can also use form V1 if you cannot use the online service.
If you report a condition that affects your vision, the “DVLA may refer you for an eyesight test with their contracted optician.”
It is confirmed: “You do not have to pay for the test.” Once this test is completed, the DVLA will look at “all medical evidence provided as part of a driving licence application” which includes the result of the eyesight test.
You can also choose to get your test done elsewhere, as long as it includes an ‘Esterman visual test’. However, it is warned that the “DVLA do not guarantee they will accept an eyesight test done by other opticians” and you will have to pay for the test yourself.
If you have a bus, coach or lorry licence, there are more conditions you need to report here.