Driving with Glasses or Contact Lenses: UK Rules

Summary

• If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the DVLA's minimum eyesight standard, you must wear them every time you drive — failing to do so is a criminal offence.
• The DVLA eyesight requirement is to read a number plate from 20 metres away (roughly five car lengths), and you must also meet minimum visual acuity standards.
• Certain eye conditions must be declared to the DVLA, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and any condition affecting both eyes — failure to declare can invalidate your insurance.

Millions of UK drivers wear glasses or contact lenses. There is nothing wrong with that — as long as you meet the DVLA's eyesight standards and wear your correction every time you drive. Here is what the rules say and what happens if you do not follow them.

DVLA Eyesight Standards

The DVLA sets minimum eyesight standards for all drivers. You must be able to:

• Read a car number plate from 20 metres away (with glasses or lenses if needed).
• Have a visual acuity of at least 6/12 (decimal 0.5) on the Snellen scale, using both eyes together or one eye if you only have sight in one eye.
• Have an adequate field of vision — you must be able to see at least 120 degrees horizontally.

These standards apply whether you wear glasses, contact lenses, or have had corrective surgery. If you meet the standard with correction, you are fit to drive — but you must always wear that correction.

The number plate test at your driving test uses the same 20-metre standard. If you needed glasses to pass the test, you need them every time you drive.

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The Driving Test Eyesight Check

Every practical driving test begins with an eyesight check. The examiner asks you to read a number plate from a set distance:

Plate Type	Distance Required
New-style plate (from September 2001)	20 metres
Old-style plate (before September 2001)	20.5 metres

If you fail the eyesight check, the driving test is over immediately. You cannot retake it until you can meet the standard, whether that means getting glasses or having your prescription updated.

This eyesight standard applies for as long as you hold a driving licence. There is no re-test requirement at any age, though the DVLA strongly recommends regular eye tests.

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When You Must Tell The DVLA About Eye Conditions

You must inform the DVLA about certain eye conditions. These include:

• Glaucoma: Must be declared. You will need regular visual field tests.
• Macular degeneration: Must be declared if it affects your ability to meet the eyesight standard.
• Cataracts: Only need declaring if they affect your ability to read a number plate at 20 metres.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Must be declared.
• Loss of sight in one eye: Must be declared. You can still drive if your remaining eye meets the standard.
• Double vision (diplopia): Must be declared.

You do not need to tell the DVLA if you simply wear glasses or contact lenses and can meet the eyesight standard with them. Short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism corrected by lenses do not need declaring.

Failing to declare a notifiable condition is a criminal offence. It can also invalidate your car insurance, leaving you uninsured.

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Driving With Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are perfectly acceptable for driving. However, there are some practical considerations:

• Carry spare glasses. If a lens falls out or irritates your eye, you need a backup.
• Beware of dry eyes. Air conditioning and heating can dry out lenses. Use rewetting drops if needed.
• Night driving: Some lens types can cause halos around lights at night. Discuss this with your optician.
• Long journeys: Take regular breaks to rest your eyes and relens if needed.

Your driving licence will show a code 01 in section 12 if you are required to wear corrective lenses when driving.

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Penalties For Driving Without Glasses When Required

If you are required to wear glasses or lenses and drive without them, you could face:

• Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight: A fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points.
• Dangerous driving: In serious cases, driving without correction could lead to a dangerous driving charge with much higher penalties.
• Insurance invalidation: Your insurer may refuse to pay a claim if you were driving without required correction.

The police can perform a roadside eyesight test at any time. If you fail, they can issue an immediate prohibition notice, preventing you from driving until you can pass the test.

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How Often Should You Have An Eye Test?

The DVLA recommends an eye test at least every two years. However, your optician may recommend more frequent tests depending on your age and health.

1. Under 40: Every two years is usually sufficient.
2. 40–70: Every two years, or annually if you have risk factors.
3. Over 70: Annually. Your eyesight can change more rapidly.

Eye tests are free on the NHS for people over 60, under 16, or those receiving certain benefits. Most opticians charge £20–£25 for a private eye test.

Your optician will tell you if your prescription has changed. If it has, get new glasses promptly. Driving with an outdated prescription is risky even if it technically still meets the DVLA standard.

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Top Tips For Driving With Glasses

• Keep your glasses clean. Smudged lenses reduce clarity, especially at night.
• Get anti-reflective coating. This reduces glare from oncoming headlights.
• Carry a spare pair in the car. If your glasses break, you need an alternative.
• Consider prescription sunglasses. Glare from low sun is a major hazard. Clip-on shades work too.
• Update your prescription regularly. Do not drive with outdated lenses.

Your eyesight is fundamental to safe driving. Take it seriously. Regular eye tests are a small investment in your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. Keep your vehicle safe too with a free MOT check and stay on top of running costs.

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