By law you must meet the eyesight standard every time you drive. For cars and motorcycles that means reading a number plate from 20 metres, having eyesight of at least 6/12 (decimal 0.5) with glasses if you need them, and an adequate field of vision.
Answer the questions below to check where you stand. Only an eye test can confirm it.
Check your eyesight for driving
Four quick questions. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
A guide only, based on GOV.UK and DVLA guidance. It cannot test your eyesight. Only an eye test, or a DVLA assessment, can confirm you meet the standard. Rules for Northern Ireland are set by the DVA.
The eyesight rules for car and motorcycle drivers
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Number plate test | Read a car number plate made after September 2001 from 20 metres, about 5 car lengths, in good light |
| Visual acuity | At least 6/12 (decimal 0.5) on the letter chart, with glasses or contact lenses if needed |
| Field of vision | An adequate field of vision, which an optician can test |
| Glasses | If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, you must wear them every time you drive |
When you must tell DVLA
You must tell DVLA if an eye condition affects both eyes, or your only eye with sight, if a GP, optician or eye specialist has told you not to drive, or if you do not meet the visual standards. Lorry and bus drivers have higher standards and more conditions to report.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Driving eyesight rules
- GOV.UK: Eye conditions and driving
- DVLA: INS57P Information on driving licences
Last checked: 12 November 2026
