DVLA Warns Drivers to Get an Eye Test Ahead of the Winter Season

Poor eyesight and driving don’t go well together.

When on the road, you need to have a clear and sharp vision to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

Did you know that poor vision was recorded as a major contributing factor in severe road accidents in the UK in 2019?

s the long nights are approaching, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has requested drivers to get an eye test. The agency has told drivers to make sure that they can see 20 metres ahead of them which is the standard of vision for driving in the UK.

As per the new rules introduced in September 2001, drivers need to be able to read a license plate at 20 metres distance. If they fail to do so, they’ll lose their license.

According to DVLA, drivers must meet the standard vision requirements of at least 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale with or without prescription glasses or contacts.

DVLA recommends drivers have an eye test every two years and must declare any medical condition (if they have one) that affects their driving.

Any driver or motorist who fails to meet these eyesight requirements could be prosecuted in court and might result in a £1,000 fine or revocation of license.

Where to get an eye test?

Vision clarity is important to make prompt and appropriate decisions on the road. You have to be able to pick out the details in the roadway such as traffic lights, road signs and pedestrians to drive safely.

If you have the slightest doubt about your eyesight and wonder whether it’s safe for driving, book a free eye test with us right away. If you’re busy, we can perform the test at whatever time suits you the best. Book an appointment online or call us at our store number.

Having regular eye tests and wearing eyeglasses when you drive is crucial to keep you safe and lower the risk of injuries or accidents on the road.

If you notice any signs of vision change, get an eye test asap. Specscart’s eye test is free for everyone in the UK.

Eye tests are important in general. But, they can also spot early symptoms of health conditions such as diabetes or blood pressure. So, these tests are beneficial for your overall health.

Signs that you need glasses for driving

Vision changes can sneak up to you gradually and catch you off guard. These changes are so minor that they are easy to slip your attention.

Some common signs that your vision might be changing are:

• Eyestrain
• Throbbing headaches
• Double vision
• Need brighter lights to see or read
• Seeing halos around lights
• Eye pressure
• Difficulty seeing in dim light or at night

Vision changes are also related to your age. People over 40 are more likely to feel these signs due to a problem called presbyopia. It refers to the loss of near vision where your eye loses its elasticity and starts to have problems with focusing on nearby objects.

Presbyopia will require you to use reading glasses that are designed to improve your near vision by magnifying your field of view.

If you feel trouble seeing at night, there are night driving glasses available that reduce glare and amplify your vision on the road.

Practical DVLA eye test for drivers in the UK

If your eyesight is normal, you won’t find any difficulty in passing this test. However, if you need vision correction, make sure to use glasses while giving this test.

The eyesight test will require you to read the number on the licenses plate of a parked vehicle. If you can’t do this, you’ll fail the test there and then. The result of the test will be sent to DVLA and your driving license will be revoked.

In case you reapply for the license, DVLA will as you to give an eye test with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). And even when you pass the test, you’ll still have the standard eyesight test to clear with the DVSA.

What do you need to declare to the DVLA?

As per the UK driving laws, you don’t need to declare to the DVLA if:

• You have a vision problem but wear eyeglasses to meet the standard of vision for driving in the UK
• You’ve had surgery and corrected your vision problem
• You’re colour blind
• You have sight in only one eye whose vision is either normal or is corrected with eyeglasses

However, if you have a condition that affected the vision in both eyes or only one eye (if you have a vision in only one eye). This might include:

• Low visual acuity
• A visual defect that creates blind spots in one or both your eyes. These spots can either be permanent or temporary and can be caused by a number of things including glaucoma or retinal damage
• Tunnel vision where your peripheral vision is obscured
• You have any kind of surgery or treatment on your retina and your doctor says that it can affect your driving

Even when your eyesight is fine, you shouldn’t undermine the importance of regular eye tests. Get one for free from us and make sure that your vision is sufficient to keep you safe on the roads.