The independence and freedom that driving affords can be exhilarating, and it can be scary to think that may be taken away from you due to your vision. Some people may avoid attending eye tests if they believe their eyesight is deteriorating as they don’t know what the consequences may be, but can the optician take your driving licence away? At Reynolds, we have seen a wide variety of eye conditions, including those that may put your ability to drive at risk. We know everything about vision and driving, but we also understand that others may not, so we’re here to share our knowledge and put you at ease before your next optician appointment.
What are the Standards of Vision for Driving?
Knowing the standards of vision for driving is important for all drivers, not just learners, as vision can change over time. To be able to drive a car you must be able to read a number plate that is 20 metres away. This visual requirement can be met with the use of glasses or contact lenses to qualify. You will also need a visual acuity (ability of the eye to distinguish shapes and details at a distance) of at least 0.5, with or without glasses. This is a test your Optician can provide during an eye exam. For Lorry or bus drivers, these driving standards will be different. When you are undertaking a practical driving test your examiner will test your eyesight with a number plate test, so it’s best to make sure your eyesight passes the requirements before this. As you grow older your eyesight will begin to change, regular eye tests help to ensure that your eyesight remains within the driving standards and that you are driving safely.
Eye Conditions that may affect your ability to drive
If you are concerned that you have an eye condition that will affect your ability to drive you should consult with your optician. However, there are only six eye conditions that the DVLA finds concerning. These eye conditions include: Blepharospasm – Uncontrollable eye twitches. Diabetic Retinopathy – A complication of diabetes that damages the retina. Diplopia – Double vision. Glaucoma – Optic nerve damage. Nyctalopia – The inability to see in the dark. Retinitis Pigmentosa – A group of rare diseases that affect the retina. For any other eye conditions, such as driving with one eye, your licence and ability to drive should be safe. But it’s always best to get checked to avoid putting yourself and others at risk.
Can the Optician take your driving licence away?
You may be avoiding the opticians as you believe that your current eyesight may cause them to take your licence away. When undergoing an eye examination your optician will test your eyesight and provide solutions such as a glasses prescription to improve your condition. If your eyesight is at a concerning level where an optician does not believe it will be safe for you to continue to drive you will be advised to inform the DVLA of your condition and to cease driving immediately, but the optician will not do this for you. It is your responsibility as a driver to understand the risk and inform the DVLA, it may be a difficult decision but it is necessary for safety reasons.
Discover Regular Eye Tests at Reynolds & Slater Opticians
Drive safely and with confidence when you get regular sight tests from Reynolds Opticians. Book your eye test today, or check out our blog for more information on common eye conditions to be aware of.
