Eyesight and driving: a plain-English guide for older drivers

The legal eyesight standard for driving

To drive a car in the UK you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres (about five car lengths) in good daylight, with glasses or contact lenses if you need them. You also need a visual acuity of at least 6/12 on the Snellen scale, using both eyes together, and an adequate field of vision. If you need glasses or lenses to meet the standard, you must wear them every time you drive. You can read the full UK eyesight rules for driving on GOV.UK.

When you renew your licence at 70, and every three years after, you're asked to confirm that you meet these standards. An eye test is the easiest way to be sure.

For more on how these rules apply in practice — including licence renewal for drivers over 70 — see our article on driving and eyesight proposals for Birmingham families.

How eyesight changes as we get older

Common age-related changes, such as cataracts, scatter light inside the eye. That makes glare from low sun and oncoming headlights much harder to cope with, and it often comes on so slowly that people adapt without realising.

If you're 70 or over, the NHS funds a sight test every year, so it's easy to stay on top of changes.

Simple steps to stay safe this winter

• Try the 20-metre number plate check. If you can't read it, don't drive until you've had an eye test.
• Always wear your prescribed glasses or lenses when driving, and keep a spare pair in the car.
• Keep your windscreen and glasses clean, inside and out, to cut glare.
• Avoid tinted lenses for night driving.
• Have an eye test at least every two years, or as often as your optometrist recommends. In England, NHS sight tests are free from age 60, and yearly from 70.
• Tell the DVLA if you have an eye condition that affects both eyes, or your remaining eye if you only have one. Conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration may need to be reported; short or long sight and colour blindness don't. If you're unsure, ask your optometrist or check GOV.UK. It's also worth letting your insurer know about any changes.

Can't get to an opticians? We come to you

First Care Optical provides home eye tests across Coventry and the Midlands for people who can't get to an opticians on their own because of illness or disability. If you, or someone you care for, is worried about their eyesight for driving or everyday life, we can test at home, often free on the NHS when you meet NHS housebound eligibility. We also cover Birmingham and surrounding areas — read more about NHS-funded domiciliary sight tests.