When was the last time you had an eye test?
An estimated 1 million motorists are driving illegally because their eyesight doesn't meet the UK’s legal standards.
The Road Traffic Act 1937 states that drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres (65 feet) in good daylight. However, a study conducted by Churchill Motor Insurance, in collaboration with opticians Hodd, Barnes, and Dickens, found that 1 in 10 drivers who hadn’t had an eye test in over two years couldn't meet this standard.
The study also revealed that 2.8 million adults have never had an eye test. Poor eyesight can lead to serious consequences, with 182 fatal or serious collisions in 2023 linked to drivers with uncorrected vision issues. Even more concerning, 7% of drivers—equivalent to 3.5 million people—suspect their eyesight is below the legal standard for driving. Among drivers who need glasses or contact lenses, 8% admitted they only wear them "sometimes" or "rarely," and 2% never wear them at all when driving.
Driving without proper eyesight can seriously affect a driver's ability to see road signs, pedestrians, or even their dashboard, putting everyone at risk. A significant number of drivers report dangerous consequences: 25% of those who drive without glasses say they’ve been unable to read road signs, while 29% admit to having near-misses or accidents because of poor vision. For some, the cost of eye tests and prescriptions is a deterrent, with 27% saying they avoid testing because of the expense.
Optician Abbas Pirbhai expressed concern, stating,
"Many drivers don't realise that even minor vision issues can significantly reduce their ability to drive safely."
The legal requirements for driving with proper eyesight are clear: drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres and meet a visual acuity of 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale. If you need glasses or contact lenses, you are legally required to wear them while driving. Failure to meet these standards can result in your licence being revoked. Additionally, drivers must have an adequate field of vision, which can be tested by an optician.
At the start of your driving test, you must read a number plate from a parked car. If you fail, the test will be stopped, and the DVLA will be informed. Your licence will be revoked until you pass an eyesight test conducted by the DVSA.
Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, urged drivers to take responsibility for both their vehicle and their health, stressing the importance of regular eye tests.
"Eyesight tends to deteriorate slowly, so drivers may not notice the decline unless they get regular tests," he explained.
Don't risk your safety or the safety of others on the road. Book an eye test if you haven't had one recently. For more information, visit the DVLA website.
An estimated 1 million motorists are driving illegally because their eyesight doesn't meet the UK’s legal standard
