Your Eyes and Driving

Driving requires your full concentration. You need to be able to see clearly what’s coming up, while also processing threats from the side and scanning your mirrors. It is important to have good visual acuity so you can see sharply in the distance and good visual fields, a phrase describing your ‘all round’ or peripheral vision.

If you have concerns about your sight or simply haven’t had an eye test in the last two years, visit us. An eye test can help you drive more safely, protecting both yourself and others.

According to the DVLA, “You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres” this is equivalent to having a visual acuity of at least 6/12 measured on the eye test chart (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye.

You must also have an adequate field of vision

Our Optometrist can explain about both of these requirements, test your eyesight and field of vision.

According to the DVLA, “You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive if you need them to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving’”.

Ask our optician if you are unsure whether you need your specs to help you meet the standard.

Click here to read about our lenses designed to help with driving.

Visit DLVA Eyesight rules to find out more about the legal driving standards.

Visit Driving Blind to read about a petition to make eye examinations required for driving