Drive Safe. DVLA Standard Eye Tests.
Who needs a DVLA eye test?
A DVLA eyesight assessment is required from those that have it deemed necessary to operate a motor vehicle, including:
- Renewing your driving licence when you reach the age of 70, or on any age-related renewal
- You already have or develop a Q1 or notifiable medical condition affecting your sight
- Applying for a driving licence or reinstatement after a period of disqualification
- If you are in any doubt about whether your eyesight meets the required driving standard
Eye emporium in numbers
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1M+eyes cared for -
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16average years experience of our optometrists -
42years and still family run -
15stores, same personal service
What happens during a DVLA eye test?
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Distance Vision AssessmentWe test how clearly you can see at a distance using a Snellen chart, checking you meet the legal minimum requirements — with and without your current glasses or contact lenses.
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Peripheral Fields AssessmentThe law requires an adequate field of vision, not just straight-ahead clarity. We check your peripheral vision for any gaps or limitations that may affect your ability to drive safely.
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Eye Muscle Balance & MotilityBoth eyes need to work together seamlessly for safe driving. We assess muscle coordination and eye movement to check for any imbalance that could affect your depth perception or reaction time on the road.
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It is illegal to drive if your eyesight falls below the required DVLA standard. Penalties include a fine of up to £1,000, points on your licence, or disqualification. Beyond the legal risk, poor vision is a contributing factor in thousands of road accidents each year — making it a responsibility to yourself and everyone else on the road.
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You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres in good daylight. You must also have a visual acuity of at least 6/12 on a Snellen chart, and a visual field of at least 120 degrees horizontally, with no significant defects within 20 degrees above or below the horizontal.
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Group 2 licence holders are subject to stricter requirements. You must have a visual acuity of at least 6/7.5 in your better eye and at least 6/60 in your worse eye. The visual field requirement is also more demanding — at least 160 degrees horizontally. Our team can advise on the specific standards that apply to your licence category.
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In some cases, yes. If you have monocular vision — sight in one eye only — you may still be able to drive a Group 1 vehicle, provided your visual acuity and field of vision in the remaining eye meets the required standard. However, you must inform the DVLA and your insurance provider. Group 2 licences are not permitted for monocular drivers.
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Yes, if you have been diagnosed with a condition that affects your vision. Conditions that must be reported include glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts that affect your visual acuity or field of vision, diabetic retinopathy, and any condition causing double vision. If you are unsure whether your condition needs to be reported, our optometrists will advise you clearly.
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Double vision must be reported to the DVLA. If you experience double vision, you should stop driving until it has been assessed and treated. In some cases, driving may be permitted once the condition is controlled — for example, with prism lenses — but this must be confirmed by the DVLA before you return to driving.
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No. Bioptic telescopic lenses are not currently permitted for driving in the UK under DVLA regulations.
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Yes — you may drive wearing glasses or contact lenses, but your vision must meet the required standard while wearing them. It is a legal requirement to wear your corrective lenses whenever you drive if you need them to meet the standard. Driving without them when required is illegal.
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Most people who have had laser eye surgery and whose vision now meets the DVLA standard can drive normally. However, you should inform the DVLA and allow sufficient recovery time as advised by your surgeon. Your optometrist will confirm whether your post-surgery vision meets the required standard.
AM I SAFE TO DRIVE? SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
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Struggling to Read Road Signs
If you're reading signs later than you used to, or need to get closer before they become clear, your distance vision may have changed and needs reviewing.
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Difficulty driving at night
Struggling to see clearly after dark, being dazzled by headlights, or finding night driving uncomfortable are common signs of changing vision — and can indicate developing cataracts
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Blurred or Hazy Vision
If your vision has become less sharp — even with your current glasses — your prescription may have changed, or a condition such as cataracts could be affecting your clarity.
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Difficulty Judging Distances
If judging the distance of oncoming vehicles or junctions has become harder, your depth perception may be affected. This warrants a prompt vision assessment.
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Loss of Peripheral Vision
Gaps or shadows at the edges of your vision can be an early sign of glaucoma and may mean you no longer meet the DVLA's field of vision requirements.
Drive with confidence. Get your vision checked today.
A driving eye test at Eye Emporium gives you the reassurance that your vision meets the standard — so you can get behind the wheel with complete peace of mind.
USEFUL INFORMATION
What is the DVLA vision standard for driving?
To drive legally in the UK, you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres in good daylight. You must also have a visual acuity of at least 6/12 and a sufficient field of vision. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you may drive with them — but your vision must meet the standard while wearing them.
Do I need to inform the DVLA if my vision has deteriorated?
Yes. It is your legal responsibility to inform the DVLA if your vision no longer meets the required driving standard, or if you are diagnosed with a condition that affects your sight. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance and result in a fine. Our optometrists will advise you clearly if this applies to you.
How often should my child have an eye test?
We recommend every year for children under 16, and every two years for young people aged 16 to 18. Children's eyes can change quickly, so annual checks ensure any changes are caught and managed early. If your child wears glasses or has a family history of eye conditions, your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits.
Can I still drive if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
Yes — as long as your vision meets the DVLA standard while wearing them. It is, however, a legal requirement to wear your corrective lenses whenever you drive if you need them to meet the standard.
What if my vision has changed but I don't think it's serious?
Any change in vision that affects your ability to see clearly while driving should be investigated promptly. In many cases, an updated prescription is all that's needed. Don't put it off — driving with deteriorating vision puts you, your passengers, and other road users at risk.
Will my optometrist tell the DVLA about my results?
Optometrists are not routinely required to report vision test results to the DVLA. However, if your vision is found to fall below the legal driving standard, they are obliged to advise you to stop driving and inform the DVLA yourself.
What if a condition is found that's affecting my driving vision?
If we identify a condition such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration that is affecting your driving vision, we will explain your options clearly and refer you through the appropriate NHS or private pathway. In many cases, conditions can be treated or managed — and your driving vision restored or preserved.
How often should I have my eyes tested as a driver?
We recommend every two years as a minimum — and annually if you are over 70, have a family history of eye conditions, or have noticed any changes in your vision. Vision can change gradually and without obvious symptoms, making regular checks essential for safe driving.
Can you transfer my records from my last opticians?
Yes, of course! Just let us know the details of your previous optician and we'll contact them directly to request your prescription and any relevant eye health information
Is a driving vision assessment the same as a regular eye test?
A standard eye test at Eye Emporium includes all the checks relevant to driving vision — visual acuity, field of vision, and a full eye health assessment.