Driving with poor eyesight: a safety guide for drivers concerned about their vision

What are the legal eyesight requirements for driving in the UK?

To drive in the UK, you must meet the following standards:

• Be able to read a car registration plate from a minimum of 20 metres away (about the length of five parked cars)

• Have a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale

• Have an adequate field of vision (the ability to see hazards in your peripheral vision).

All these standards can be met with or without the aid of glasses or contacts, and using both eyes or one eye only.

Many people may not realise they no longer meet the legal eyesight standard for driving. A 2024 study for the Is Your Vision Roadworthy (IYVR) initiative revealed more than 720,000 motorists could be driving on Britain’s roads with defective eyesight.

Ultimately, you have a responsibility to take good care of your eyesight and make sure you’re driving legally.

Lorry and bus driver eyesight requirements

The minimum standards are higher for lorry and bus drivers. They are generally required to meet the following minimum standards of vision:

• Have a minimum visual acuity of 0.8 (6/7.5) in their best eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) in the other.

• Have a minimum uninterrupted horizontal field of 160 degrees (with a minimum extension of 70 degrees for left and right and 30 degrees up and down).

• Use of standard glasses must have a maximum corrective power of +8 dioptres (there’s no limit for contact lenses).

Driving examination eye test

Every practical driving test begins with a quick vision check. The examiner will ask you to read a number plate on a parked vehicle.

If you fail this, your test won’t continue. So, make sure your eyesight is up to standard before booking.

What are the risks of driving with poor eyesight?

Here are three reasons why failing to meet the minimum eyesight standards poses a risk to motorists.

1. Lack of hazard perception

Visual observation is key when driving. Without good eyesight, there’s an increased risk of failing to spot hazards and not reacting quickly enough to them.

This is especially true for those with bad peripheral vision – you might miss pedestrians crossing the street or cars and cyclists turning onto the road.

2. Further impaired visibility at night

Night driving can be particularly difficult if you have poor eyesight. Even drivers with good eyesight may find their vision impaired once the sun goes down.

In the darkness, drivers with poor eyesight might strain harder and must concentrate more to see road signs. They may also experience blurred vision and glare from headlights.

3. Road surface dangers

It’s not just pedestrians and other road users you need to look out for.

Other hazards on the road you’re more likely to miss include obstructions and damage to road quality such as debris, black ice, uneven surfaces and potholes.

What are the penalties for driving with defective eyesight?

Anyone caught driving with poor eyesight could face a hefty fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence.

If the police think your eyesight is not safe for driving, they can stop you from driving immediately and notify the DVLA, which can revoke your licence.

Police regularly carry out roadside eye checks as part of safety campaigns, so make sure you don’t fall foul of the law.

You can also be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t inform the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely. You could even face criminal charges if you’re involved in a serious accident because of the impairment.

What eye conditions can stop you driving?

You need to report certain eye conditions to the DVLA. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to give up driving, but they will want to assess your fitness to drive. 

Conditions you need to tell the DVLA about include:

• Blepharospasm

• Diabetic retinopathy (with laser treatment)

• Diplopia (double vision)

• Glaucoma

• Nyctalopia (night blindness)

• Retinitis pigmentosa.

Depending on what type of vehicle you drive, you may also need to be assessed for cataracts, macular degeneration and visual field defects. 

Age and vision

Eyesight generally deteriorates with age.

As we get older, most of us will notice changes in our vision. Regular eye tests are important, and anyone over the age of 60 can get an NHS eye test free of charge.

If you’re a driver aged 70 or over, you’ll need to self-declare that your eyesight meets the minimum legal standards when renewing your licence.

What is a DVLA eye test?

If you report a medical condition that affects your vision to the DVLA, it may refer you for a free driving vision test with an approved optician.

The assessment is designed to check if you meet the legal eyesight standards for driving. It usually includes a visual acuity test to measure how well you can see at a distance, and a visual field test to check your peripheral vision.

In the visual acuity test you will typically be asked to read from a standard letter chart, like you would in a regular eye exam.

In the visual field test you’ll usually be asked to press a button whenever you see flashing lights.

Tips for drivers who wear glasses or contact lenses

Drivers who wear glasses or contacts need to pay special attention to their vision. Follow these tips to stay safe on the roads:

1. Keep a spare pair of glasses in the car - it’s a good idea to leave a spare pair of glasses in the car, just in case. They can also be handy if contact lenses become uncomfortable while driving.

2. Get anti-glare coatings - Consider getting an anti-reflective coating on your prescription lenses to reduce glare from headlights and streetlights. This can make a real difference when driving at night.

3. Invest in prescription sunglasses - Prescription sunglasses combine vital UV protection from the sun’s glare with corrective lenses. They’re a good solution for reducing eye strain and squinting when you’re driving on a particularly sunny day.

4. Look after your glasses and contacts - Keeping your glasses and contacts in good condition is vital for safe driving. Regularly clean and wipe them to ensure there are no visual obstructions like smudges or marks – even the smallest flecks of dirt can impair your vision.

5. Use eye drops - Contact lens wearers should keep lubricating drops in their glove compartment for use on long journeys. Dry eyes can cause blurriness, so using drops during breaks can refresh your lenses and improve visual clarity.

Did you know?

It’s illegal to drive in certain types of sunglasses. According to the AA, Category 4 tinted lenses only transmit between 3% and 8% of light and are not suitable for driving at any time.

Do I need to tell my car insurance provider that I wear glasses?

You don’t need to declare that you wear glasses to your car insurance provider. But it’s illegal to drive without them if you’re required to wear them. So, if you’re involved in an accident while not wearing your prescription glasses, you could invalidate your insurance.

You might have to tell your insurance provider about eye conditions that need to be reported to the DVLA, such as glaucoma or double vision. Check the policy for details.