Half of motorists could be at risk of fines due to poor eyesight.
New research from Motorpoint found that just 50% of car owners felt they’d be able to read a registration plate 20 metres away – the minimum legal requirement for drivers. Car owners who fall short of this risk anything from £1,000 fine and three points on their licence to having their licence immediately revoked.
The survey of 2,000 UK car owners follows ongoing calls for the Department for Transport to consider mandatory in-person testing for older drivers to replace current self-certification for over-70s.
Currently, motorists are solely responsible for ensuring their eyesight meets the standard, with the over-70s needing to self-certify every three years.
Despite the Government strongly advising motorists to have an eye test every two years, opinions vary on how frequently all motorists would prefer to be tested:
- 28% of drivers said testing should be every three years
- 23% said testing should be yearly
- 17% said testing should be every five years
Although most drivers are in favour of regular testing, less than two-fifths (38%) know they can be fined or have points added to their licence if their eyesight falls short of the legal requirement to drive.
Drivers who fail to tell the DVLA about a change to their eyesight or are found to be driving dangerously due to poor eyesight, can:
- Receive up to three points on their licence
- Be fined up to £1,000
- Have their licence revoked immediately
More than two million glasses-wearing motorists could be driving dangerously and are at risk of these penalties. According to the research, nearly a sixth of glasses-wearing drivers admitted to regularly driving without wearing their contact lenses or glasses, despite needing them to drive. *
The survey also found that two-fifths of glasses-wearing drivers don’t keep a spare pair in their car, an easy fix to keep roads safer if they’re caught short.
Discussing the findings,Motorpoint’s Tim Rodie, said, “It’s really encouraging to see how many motorists would be in favour of regular mandatory eye testing for all drivers. This is a simple step that would help keep all road users safe.
“With a significant number of motorists admitting to driving without their glasses and contact lenses, it’s clear that more could be done to encourage drivers to not only keep on top of regular eye tests but making sure they follow the advice of their optometrist when it comes to when they should be wearing their glasses.”
On the importance of regular eye tests,Daniel Hardiman McCartney, clinical advisor at The College of Optometrists, added, “The solution is in plain sight: requiring evidence of a valid eye test at every licence renewal would ensure drivers meet the vision standards for driving and help improve road safety for all.
“Optometrists don’t just check visual acuity at an eye test; they also detect eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular disease, which can impair vision and increase the risk of a serious collision without drivers being aware they’ve developed the condition. Going for regular eye tests is a practical step that will ensure issues are picked up and treated earlier, helping to preserve sight and save lives.”
