Eyesight Rules for Driving in the UK: What You Need to Know

Summary

• You must read a number plate from 20 metres: This is the legal minimum eyesight standard for driving in the UK.
• You must tell the DVLA about eye conditions: Some conditions require you to notify the DVLA. Failing to do so is an offence.
• Driving with poor eyesight is dangerous and illegal: You can be fined up to £1,000 and have your licence revoked. See our penalty points guide for more on driving offences.

Good eyesight is one of the most basic requirements for safe driving. But millions of UK drivers haven't had an eye test in years.

Here's what the law says, what standards you need to meet, and what happens if your vision isn't good enough.

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The Legal Eyesight Standard

To drive legally in the UK, you must be able to:

• Read a number plate from 20 metres (about 5 car lengths) in daylight
• Have a visual acuity of at least 6/12 on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses if needed)
• Have an adequate field of vision: You must be able to see at least 120 degrees horizontally

If you wear glasses or contact lenses to meet these standards, you must wear them every time you drive.

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The Number Plate Test

This is the simplest eyesight test. You must read a standard number plate from:

• 20 metres for new-style plates (since September 2001)
• 20.5 metres for older-style plates (with narrower characters)

This test is done at the start of every driving test. If you fail it, the test is cancelled immediately.

The police can also ask you to read a number plate at the roadside. If you can't, they can report you to the DVLA.

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Eye Conditions You Must Tell the DVLA About

You're legally required to inform the DVLA if you have any condition that affects both eyes, or the only eye you can see with. These include:

• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration
• Cataracts (if they affect your driving)
• Retinal detachment
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Visual field defects
• Night blindness

You can notify the DVLA online at GOV.UK or by filling in form V1 from the DVLA.

Failing to tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving can result in a £1,000 fine. If you cause an accident, your insurance may also be void.

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What Happens If Your Eyesight Isn't Good Enough

If the DVLA decides your eyesight doesn't meet the required standard:

• Your licence may be revoked
• You may be asked to take a DVLA eyesight assessment
• You may be issued a restricted licence (for example, daytime driving only)
• You may be allowed to drive again after treatment (e.g., cataract surgery)

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Driving with Glasses or Contact Lenses

If you need glasses or contacts to meet the eyesight standard:

• You must wear them every time you drive. There's no exception.
• Carry a spare pair: If your glasses break while driving, you must stop until you have a replacement.
• Keep them clean: Dirty lenses reduce visibility, especially at night.
• Anti-glare lenses: These can help with headlight glare during night driving.

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How Often Should You Get an Eye Test?

The NHS recommends an eye test every 2 years. But if you're a regular driver, consider going every year.

Eye tests are free if you:

• Are under 16 or over 60
• Receive certain benefits
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• Are at risk of glaucoma (family history)

A standard eye test costs £20–£30 at most opticians. That's a small price for safe driving.

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Night Vision and Driving

Even if your eyesight is fine in daylight, you may struggle at night. This is common as you get older. Signs include:

• Difficulty reading signs at night
• Increased sensitivity to headlight glare
• Halos around lights
• Taking longer to adjust between light and dark

If night driving is becoming difficult, see your optician. Some conditions (like early cataracts) cause night vision problems before they affect daytime sight.

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Key Takeaways

• Get your eyes tested every 2 years (or annually if you drive a lot)
• Always wear your glasses or contacts if you need them to drive
• Tell the DVLA about any eye condition that affects your driving
• If in doubt, get tested. It could save your life and the lives of others.

For more on UK driving laws, see our driving licence categories explained.

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