Drivers have been warned that failing to meet simple DVLA eyesight rules could see their licence being ‘immediately revoked by the police’ and they could be hit with fines
Older motorists risk having their driving licences revoked on the spot by police if they fail to comply with straightforward DVLA eyesight regulations. According to experts at insurance comparison website Easyquote, drivers with subpar vision could lose their licence if deemed a road hazard.
The rules explicitly require drivers to inform the DVLA of any eyesight problems as soon as they arise. Specialists caution that neglecting to do so could lead to substantial penalties, including fines and penalty points. Easyquote explained: “Drivers are required to notify the DVLA of any deterioration in their eyesight or if they suffer from visual impairments such as cataracts or glaucoma.
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“According to DVLA regulations, drivers must be capable of reading a number plate from 20 metres, assistance from glasses or contact lenses is permissible, but these must be worn at all times while driving.
“Regrettably, failing to meet the minimum eyesight requirements could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence if they are found driving.
“Furthermore, drivers with inadequate vision may have their licences immediately revoked by the police if deemed a hazard on the road.”
While eyesight issues can impact any driver, older road users are more likely to be affected, reports the Express. Previous figures from the RAC have revealed that 14 per cent of motorists aged over 65 have given up driving due to the blinding glare of headlights.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has reported that in the UK, more than two million people are living with sight loss. Astoundingly, 80 per cent of these individuals are older than 65, while 60 per cent surpass the age of 75.
The DVLA is reportedly set to introduce significant revisions to vision tests in the forthcoming year. Nevertheless, it appears that these alterations will affect only driving tests, potentially excluding assessments for senior drivers.
Outlined in the DVLA’s 2023/24 business strategy document: “We are considering how the eyesight test is administered during a driving test.”
Commitments were made to collaborate with the DVLA’s medical advisers to ensure new regulations conform to established standards.
Further details from their plan included: “Potential changes to how we conduct the eyesight test were the subject of a public consultation. Most respondents supported the proposal to have more flexibility about how we conduct the eyesight test.”
They elaborated on the goal of these modifications: “The aim of the change is to provide more flexibility about when the driving test is conducted and in different levels of light.”