British motorists are being reminded that they must comply with a 20-metre eyesight rule or face possible prosecution. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) enforces strict regulations governing driving standards.

The Government website makes clear that all drivers must be able to accurately read a car number plate from a distance of 20 metres (65 feet). This requirement applies even when glasses or contact lenses are worn.

Further eyesight criteria must also be satisfied in order to be considered safe behind the wheel. On GOV.UK it states: "You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.

"You must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye. You must also have an adequate field of vision - your optician can tell you about this and do a test."

It cautions: "You could be prosecuted if you drive without meeting the standards of vision for driving." Furthermore, drivers must ensure they wear glasses or contact lenses every time they get behind the wheel if these are required to meet the "standards of vision for driving".

If you have any eyesight problems

Should you experience any difficulties with your vision, this does not automatically mean you are banned from driving. However, you are obliged to inform the DVLA of any such concerns. "You must tell DVLA if you've got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye," GOV.UK says. "This does not include being short or long sighted or colour blind.

"You also do not need to say if you've had surgery to correct short-sightedness and can meet the eyesight standards." To check whether you are required to notify the DVLA about your eyesight condition, you can make use of an online service here.

Failing to inform the DVLA of any vision problems that could affect your ability to drive safely may result in a £1,000 fine.

Driving test

The 20-metre rule is assessed as part of your practical driving test. At the outset of your practical driving test, you must successfully read a number plate on a parked vehicle.

"If you cannot, you'll fail your driving test and the test will not continue," GOV.UK says. "DVLA will be told and your licence will be revoked.

"When you reapply for your driving licence, DVLA will ask you to have an eyesight test with DVSA. This will be at a driving test centre. If you're successful, you'll still have to pass the DVSA standard eyesight test at your next practical driving test."

Lorry and bus drivers

There are slightly stricter eyesight regulations for lorry and bus drivers. You must have a visual acuity at least 0.8 (6/7.5) measured on the Snellen scale in your best eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) on the Snellen scale in the other eye. GOV.UK states: "You can reach this standard using glasses with a corrective power not more than (+) 8 dioptres, or with contact lenses. There's no specific limit for the corrective power of contact lenses.

"You must have an uninterrupted horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees with an extension of at least 70 degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30 degrees."

You might still be able to renew your lorry or bus licence if you cannot meet these standards but held your licence before 1 January 1997. For more information, visit the Government website here.

Proposed changes for drivers over 70

The Department for Transport (DfT) recently conducted a consultation on the possibility of introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers. The consultation period ran until May 11.

It sought opinions on:

• Potentially moving away from the current self-declaration system for eyesight standards for drivers aged 70 and over


• Introducing mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers as part of the driving licence renewal process

Feedback from the consultation is currently being analysed. To learn more about the consultation, visit the Government website here.