Getting an Eyesight Test for Driving

When it comes to driving, being able to see with clarity is essential for the safety of you and those around you. If your eyesight is not up to the legal standard, then you shouldn’t be on the road. It’s not only your vision that you need to consider though - it’s also how quickly you react to hazards and changing conditions, as nobody wants to have an accident that could have been prevented. As you get older, the importance of this only becomes more apparent, as your eyesight can worsen and your reactions can slow down. 

No matter your age, you should be getting your eyesight tested regularly, especially if you notice a difference in your vision or how your eyes feel. As there are so many risks involved with driving, being able to see clearly is essential for you to qualify legally to drive. Of course, you can wear visual aids, such as glasses or contact lenses. If you need these to see, then you should always have them on when you’re behind the wheel. 

In this article, we’re going to explore why you need to get an eye test for driving, how to go about it, and the legal requirements you must take into consideration in the UK.

In This Guide:

• Testing Your Eyes for Driving: The Process
• Legal Requirements
• Eye Conditions That Can Affect Driving
• Visual Aids

Testing Your Eyes for Driving: The Process

Meeting the vision standards for driving isn’t just a guideline, it’s the law. In the UK, the rule is that you must be able to read a car number plate 20 metres away from you. This is vital to ensure that you are aware of pedestrians, other cars, potential obstacles, and so on. As you get older, you’re more susceptible to natural changes in your eyesight, which can worsen your vision. This is why having regular eye tests is a must, to ensure that you’re fit and able to drive - especially as the years go by. 

Most opticians in the UK offer a specific eyesight test for driving. This test can include measuring your ability to read a car number plate from 20 metres away, as well as a general eye examination to assess your overall vision health. To get an eye test, all you have to do is book in with a certified optician. During the test, you will be examined on the following: visual acuity (sharpness of vision), peripheral vision, and other aspects of your eyesight that are needed for driving. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them with you, as your vision will be tested with these aids in use.

Then, once you’ve been through everything, you will find out the results of your eye test, underlining if you meet the legal standards to be eligible to drive. On the other hand, if the outcome of the test highlights that your vision doesn’t meet the requirements, then you’ll need to either update your glasses and contact lens prescription, think about certain procedures to either help eye conditions or improve your eyesight, or simply to stop driving. The choice is yours but you should try to discuss your potential options with your optician so that you can make an informed decision. 

Legal Requirements

As mentioned, in the UK, it is a legal requirement to meet specific eyesight standards to drive. If you cannot read a car number plate from a distance of 20 metres, in the eyes of the law, you’re not allowed to drive. Failing to meet these standards and continuing to drive can result in serious consequences. Whether it’s a fine, penalty points on your licence, or even prosecution if you’re involved in an accident, it’s never worth the risk. The last thing you want is to hurt yourself or someone else if the worst were to happen and you had a crash.

Driving without meeting the legal eyesight standards can also invalidate your car insurance. If you’re in an accident and it’s discovered that your vision was below the required standard, your insurer may refuse to pay out for a claim, leaving you in a difficult financial situation as you could be liable for damages. With this in mind, as you get older, it’s important to find the right car insurance for your age (such as if you are aged over 80), as some insurers provide plans more suitable to different stages of life. Unfortunately, when you’re over the age of 70 your car insurance can become more expensive regardless of your track record, but if you put in the time and research then you can find a more affordable policy to suit your requirements. 

Eye Conditions That Can Affect Driving

There are a number of eye conditions that go hand in hand with ageing, some of which can impact your ability to drive safely. These conditions include cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. All of these can affect how well you see, but these ones in particular are all treatable to an extent. Therefore, you may still be able to drive with them, depending on the severity and how early the issue is caught.

If you have any concerns, always speak to a doctor or optician. Eye conditions are another reason that you should be going for eye tests at least once a year - they can help you to spot any issues sooner rather than later. If you do, then you may be able to prevent certain conditions from getting worse.

Visual Aids

Glasses or contact lenses could be what you need to help you to see well enough to drive, so you must always wear them while driving. There are other visual aids you can consider though, such as prescription sunglasses or anti-glare glasses to ensure your vision isn’t disrupted when you drive. Your optician can advise you on the best options for you.

In conclusion, maintaining good eyesight is of the utmost importance for safe driving. Your vision directly impacts your ability to respond to hazards and changing conditions on the road. Regular eye tests are essential to ensure you meet the legal vision standards required to drive, particularly as age-related changes in eyesight can gradually impair your vision. Ignoring these standards can lead to serious legal and financial consequences, as well as increase the risk of accidents. Whether through regular check-ups, using the appropriate visual aids, or considering medical treatments, taking proactive steps to protect your vision is not just a personal responsibility but a vital aspect of road safety.