The DVLA take road safety very seriously and one of the ways they do this is by making sure drivers meet vision requirements.
There are driving laws that determine the eyesight standards for drivers, with tests to make sure motorist is safe on the roads.
Tests involve assessing drivers with visual disorders and encouraging all motorists to regularly check their own eyesight.
With the darker winter months upon us, it is more important than ever to be aware of things that can lead to dangerous driving conditions - including poor eyesight.
Fewer daylight hours and poor weather conditions can lead to reduced visibility on the roads, making driving even more difficult if you struggle with your sight when behind the wheel.
But what are eyesights standards for driving and how can you take the test?
What are the eyesight standards for driving?
To meet the minimum eyesight standards for driving in Scotland and throughout the UK, you must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away.
You can take the test wearing your glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
The number plate must be one made after September 1, 2001.
You must also have an adequate field of vision - your optician can tell you about this and do a test.
How do you do the test?
There is no need to get your measuring stick out, 20 metres is roughly the length of five parked cars or two double decked busses.
The number plate test is a simple and effective way to check if your eyesight meets the required standard for driving. Anyone can do the test at any time.
When do you need to let the DVLA about a change in eyesight?
You must inform the DVLA if you have any problems with your eyesight that impacts both your eyes, or the remaining eye you have if you only have one.
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.
This is the chart that eye specialists and optometrist use to decide if you can be certified as severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted).
This does not include being long sighted, short 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.
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