Drivers should have an eye test every decade, experts urge.

In the UK, all drivers must meet legal eyesight standards to stay safe on the road. If you rely on glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them every time you drive to meet the DVLA’s ‘standards of vision for driving’. Drivers are also required to inform the DVLA of any eyesight problems that affect both eyes, or the remaining eye if vision is only present in one.

Key facts at a glance:

• Legal requirement: UK drivers must be able to read a number plate at 20 metres (with glasses or contacts if needed) to pass their driving test

• Ongoing testing: There is no legal requirement for regular eyesight tests after passing the driving test, unless a problem is reported or identified

• Police testing: In 2024, Police Forces in England and Wales tested 3,010 drivers’ eyesight at the roadside

• Defective eyesight: Around 720,000 people in Britain are estimated to be driving with defective eyesight (2024 study, Sussex Safer Roads Partnership)

• Age-related vision: Conditions like presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects from age 40), cataracts, and macular degeneration increase with age

• RoSPA advice: Drivers over 40 should have an eye test every two years

• Expert recommendation: Road safety experts and RoSPA call for mandatory eye tests every 10 years for all drivers

• Potential benefits: Regular eye tests could reduce accidents, raise awareness, and help detect other health issues (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)

• Barriers: Concerns include cost, administrative complexity, and possible public resistance

• Current NHS guidance: Have an eye test at least every two years; more often if over 40 or if you notice vision changes

• Driver responsibility: All drivers must wear corrective lenses if needed and inform the DVLA of any vision problems affecting both eyes (or the only eye if monocular)

Regular eye tests could play a key role in safer driving, yet UK drivers are only legally checked once – when taking their test.

The DVLA requires motorists to read a number plate from 20 metres, with or without glasses or contact lenses. Before their test, drivers must also meet standards for sharpness of vision and peripheral vision. But unless problems are reported to a doctor or the DVLA, no further checks are required, meaning many drivers could be on the road without knowing if they still meet the legal eyesight standard. [1]

The risks of driving with poor eyesight:

A 2024 study by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership revealed that around 720,000 people in Britain are driving with defective eyesight. This is a serious concern, as poor vision makes it harder to judge distances, see clearly in low light, and spot hazards in time to react – all of which significantly increase the risk of accidents. [3]

The research also highlighted that many drivers underestimate the importance of regular eye tests. Some assume their eyesight is fine because the haven’t noticed changes, while others put off appointments due to cost or inconvenience. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness contributes to preventable accidents on UK roads.

How age affects eyesight:

Eyesight naturally changes as we get older, and many common conditions can affect safe driving:

• Presbyopia 
  Difficulty focusing on close objects, often starting around age 40 and worsening until around 65
• Cataracts 
  Clouding of the lens, which reduces the quality and clarity of vision
• Macular degeneration 
  Blurred or lost central vision caused by damage to the retina

These conditions often develop slowly, so drivers may not notice issues until they become severe. For a quick guide, see Common Eyesight Conditions that Affect Drivers. If you experience symptoms, it’s important to visit an optician or doctor.

Why experts are calling for mandatory eye tests every 10 years:

To tackle the risks associated with poor eyesight, road safety experts are urging the introduction of mandatory eye tests every decade.

Organisations such as RoSPA believe this policy would improve road safety by ensuring all drivers have their vision checked regularly, catching problems early and encouraging motorists to take better care of their eyes.

The benefits of regular eye tests:

Making regular eye tests mandatory could bring several benefits:  

• Fewer accidents: Detecting and treating vision problems early reduces collisions linked to poor eyesight

• Increased awareness: A legal requirement would remind drivers of the importance of vision for safe driving

• Better health outcomes: Eye tests can detect wider health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure

• Support for older drivers: Encourages awareness of age-related eyesight changes and safer driving habits

Challenges in implementing mandatory eye tests: 

While the idea is widely supported, there are challenges: 

• Cost: Some may worry about the expense of regular eye tests

• Administration: Tracking and enforcing compliance could be complex

• Public resistance: Some drivers may see it as unnecessary or intrusive

Experts suggest these barriers could be overcome through free or subsidised eye tests in partnership with opticians, along with public awareness campaigns to explain the benefits of regular testing.

What drivers can do now: 

Even though regular eye tests aren’t currently mandatory in the UK, drivers can still take steps to protect themselves and others:

• Get tested regularly: The NHS recommends an eye test at least every two years, or more often if you’re over 40 or notice vision changes

• Wear corrective lenses: Always wear prescribed glasses or contact lenses when driving

• Be aware of changes: Look out for signs of declining eyesight, such as difficulty reading road signs or glare at night

• Stay informed: Keep up to date with DVLA guidelines and eyesight standards for drivers

A clear vision for the future of driving: 

Good eyesight is crucial for safe driving, yet studies show that hundreds of thousands UK motorists may be on the road with defective vision. [4]

Introducing mandatory eye tests every ten years could be a simple, effective way to improve road safety, detect health issues early, and raise awareness about the importance of vision care.

Until such measures are introduced, it’s up to individual drivers to take responsibility. By getting regular eye tests and addressing any problems early, we can all play a part in making Britain’s roads safer. 

[1] Driving eyesight rules – Gov UK

[3] Sussex Safer Roads Study

[4] Worrying number of motorists driving on Britain’s roads with sub-standard vision