Eyesight for driving: the UK rules, and when to have your eyes checked

The standard for car and motorbike drivers

You must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres (about five car lengths), in good daylight, with glasses or contact lenses if you need them. You also need sight of at least 6/12 (decimal 0.5) with both eyes together, or with your one eye if you only have sight in one, and an adequate field of vision, meaning you can see well enough to the sides. These are the DVLA rules: gov.uk eyesight rules for driving.

If you need glasses to meet the standard, you must wear them every time you drive.

Lorry and bus drivers

The standard is higher: at least 6/7.5 (decimal 0.8) in the better eye and 6/60 (decimal 0.1) in the other, with glasses or lenses if needed, plus a wider field of vision.

When to tell the DVLA

You must tell the DVLA about some eye conditions, for example glaucoma in both eyes, or if you can no longer meet the standard. Your optometrist will tell you if anything we find affects your driving. Gov.uk: eyesight and driving.

Signs it is time for a check

• Number plates or road signs are harder to read than they were
• Glare from oncoming headlights, or blur at night
• You find yourself leaning forward or squinting at the road

Night driving and glasses · Cataracts and driving.

How often

Every two years for most adults, or more often if your optometrist advises it. How often should you have an eye test?

Your next step

An eye test checks your sight against the driving standard and your field of vision, and tells you if your glasses are still right. Free on the NHS if you qualify, otherwise £55.

The short version

• Read a number plate from 20 metres, with glasses if you need them
• At least 6/12 with both eyes, and enough field of vision
• Lorry and bus drivers have a higher standard
• Tell the DVLA about some eye conditions
• Glare or night blur is worth an eye test

Book an eye test