If you're worried that your eyesight may not meet the required 'standards of vision for driving' you should contact a community optometry practice (opticians) to arrange to have a free NHS-funded eye examination.

You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive if you need them to meet the standards of vision for driving.

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you’ve got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye.

This doesn’t include being short or long sighted or colour blind. You also don’t need to say if you’ve had surgery to correct short sightedness and can meet the eyesight standards.

Further advice on driving eyesight rules, including the standards of vision for driving, can be found on the UK Government website.

Advice for professionals to follow when assessing drivers with visual disorders can also be found on the UK Government website.

 

Fitness To Drive Campaign

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland are launching a new road safety campaign that encourages older drivers to have a regular free NHS eye examination and ensure they have the best vision for driving. 

As we get older our eyesight changes, which can affect our driving. The best way to make sure your eyes are fit to drive is to have them examined regularly, or to contact your community optometry practice (opticians) as soon as you notice a change in your eyesight.

Find out more about the campaign at roadsafety.scot