Driving Vision Standards

Driving is an essential part of many of our lives, providing us with independence and convenience. However, it also comes with a large amount of responsibility, part of which is ensuring our eyesight meets the legal driving standards.

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A number of vision standards apply for different driving licenses. Our qualified optometrists will check your eyesight using various techniques and advise if it is inline with the applicable DVLA vision standards. There are three main areas assessed which are listed below.

You must be able to read a car number plate registered after 1st September 2001 from 20 meters away. You must also have a minimum eyesight standard of at least 6/12 measured on a snellen chart, using both eyes together or one eye if that is the only eye you have sight in.

 

If you are a lorry or a bus driver, you will be held to a different requirement standard. Our optometrists will advise whether you require glasses or contact lenses to meet the applicable standards. 

Peripheral vision is essential whilst driving and minimum levels are set by the DVLA. We can assess your peripheral vision using a variety of different methods. The most common of which is a visual field screener which plots a map of your peripheral vision by the user detecting a series of light stimuli presented in their peripheral vision.

A range of eye conditions can affect your driving. It is essential to receive regular eye examinations to ensure your eyesight is in good health.