The DVLA must be made aware of any condition that affects both eyes or one eye where you only have vision in that eye, or face a hefty fine if you are in an accident
UK drivers could be hit with a hefty £1,000 fine if they fail to inform the DVLA about certain eye conditions. According to official guidelines, motorists who have an undisclosed eye condition and end up in an accident due to it will face this substantial penalty.
The DVLA must be notified of any condition that affects both eyes or the single eye if you only have vision in one. Furthermore, if a GP, optician, or eye specialist has stated that you do not meet the visual standards for driving, the DVLA should be informed.
The legal requirements for driving include being able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, having no double vision, and maintaining a normal field of vision in at least one eye, which can be verified by an optician. It’s crucial to report any eye conditions that could impact your driving to the DVLA.
All the eye conditions that could affect your driving
Eye conditions you must tell the DVLA about include:
- nyctalopia (night blindness)
- diabetic retinopathy (with laser treatment)
- retinitis pigmentosa
- glaucoma
- blepharospasm
- diplopia (double vision)
Please note that the above conditions mainly apply to car or motorcycle licence holders. For those holding a bus, coach, or lorry licence, there are additional conditions that need to be reported.
- Macular degenration
- Monocular vision
- Loss of an eye
- Visual field defects
- Cataracts (if you have an increased sensitivity to glare)
How to report an eye condition to the DVLA
You can report any eye condition that may affect your driving by completing a V1 form and sending it to the DVLA. Alternatively, you can make a report or find the relevant form online,.
For those who are bus, coach, or lorry drivers, the requirement is to complete a V1V form. This form can be located and printed from the GOV.UK website here.
