The DVLA is urging drivers to check their sight before they drive, following a spate of worrying videos emerging online. The videos show dashcam footage of vehicles coming into contact with vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists) involving ‘near misses’ and accidents.
A survey by the DVLA suggests that half of motorists are unaware of the minimum standards required to hold a licence.
All learner drivers must pass the eye test as part of their practical exam, but once you have passed your test there is no obligation to prove to the DVLA that you can see properly – and therefore drive safely.
You have to remind yourself to make sure that you can read a number plate at 20 yards (roughly five car’s length).
It’s fine if you go to the optician regularly, as they will identify whether your eyesight is not as good as it used to be, and rectify. But this is what the DVLA is flagging up.
Following the shocking statistics that one in three optometrists had seen patients who continue to drive despite being below the legal standard, the Association of Optometrists would also support you making time to fix that appointment on your Monday morning ‘to-do’ list.