• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
Changes to DVLA eyesight rule that could lead to drivers losing their licence

Home> News> UK News

Published 15:38 4 Jul 2024 GMT+1

Changes to DVLA eyesight rule that could lead to drivers losing their licence

It's up to drivers to literally look out for this

Jess Battison

Jess Battison

Changes to a DVLA eyesight rule could end up leading to drivers losing their licence.

I mean, it’s pretty basic that someone needs to be able to see to be able to drive.

And while Brits might not all be happy with the new speed limit law that will ‘change how we drive’, even that’s not relevant if your visions not up to scratch.

Depending on how much of the day you’ve blocked out to forget the stress, you might remember having your eyesight checked during your driving test.

Advert

You know, when the examiner asks you to read out a car number plate from 65 feet away.

But since that dreaded day, it’s been your own responsibility to keep up with your eye health and report any problems to the DVLA.

Legally, of course, you shouldn’t be getting behind the wheel if you’re worried your eyesight isn’t up to scratch.

You shouldn't be getting behind the wheel if your sight isn't up to scratch. (Getty Stock)
You shouldn't be getting behind the wheel if your sight isn't up to scratch. (Getty Stock)

And things are getting a little tighter. According to Auto Express, the DVLA is placing more emphasis on visual acuity and field of vision – as well as distance.

Advert

So, if you’re a glasses or contact lenses wearer, when it comes to the whole reading a number plate from 65ft thing, you should be wearing them for that test.

Plus, drivers have to make sure they score at least 6/12 (or 0.5) for their visual acuity measurement on the Snellen scale.

Yeah, I know, this sounds like a made up phrase but it’s just the name for that chart with the rows of numbers and letters that opticians use.

It measures visual acuity – essentially, the way you pick out details.

Then, the field of vision thing is quite literally all about the area you can see with your eyes remaining still.

Advert

It's up to you to report any issues. (Getty Stock)
It's up to you to report any issues. (Getty Stock)

The DVLA’s minimum requirement is that you can see 120 degrees horizontally and 20 degrees vertically.

If you’re blind in one eye, then the other eye must have perfect field of vision.

And in case you’ve not noticed, no one from the DVLA or driving test centre will have been following up with you since asking that you read out another car number plate.

So, it totally falls on you to report any eyesight issues and therefore not drive if you think your sight was worsened.

Advert

If you do think this is the case, then go have your eyes tested and looked at before driving. If you fail to tell the DVLA, then you could end up facing a £1k fine, being prosecuted or having you license taken off you if you end up in an accident.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Cars, Driving, Health, UK News

Jess Battison
Jess Battison

Jess is a Senior Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include asking everyone in the office what they're having for tea, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021.

X

@jessbattison_

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Doctor issues warning about major mistake millions make while driving that is ‘slowing your brain down’
  • Drivers baffled at ‘UK’s most confusing road sign’ that could see drivers faced with £70 fine
  • Full list of changes coming for learner drivers in 2025
  • Drivers urged to do 20p car hack that could stop a £10,000 fine

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
3 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Nurse who commutes 5,000 miles from Sweden to US for work breaks down difference in pay from both countries

    Courtney El Refai says she can sometimes pay her month's rent with just one shift

    News
  • 2 hours ago

    Woman who lost six stone taking Mounjaro shares biggest side effects she has faced

    It feels like Mounjaro is everywhere, and one TikTok star has been sharing the true nature of using it for weight loss

    News
  • 2 hours ago

    Doctor explains vital reason 'Ozempic sex' side effect happens to those using the medication

    A number people taking Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications have reported a loss of sex drive

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    Strict rules of Britain's biggest swingers festival as thousands set to attend this week

    Frisky festival Swingathon UK is back for the fifth year on the trot

    News