You need to have good vision to drive in the UK. Not only is it recommended to keep you and others safe, but it is also a legal requirement. Poor eyesight has negative implications when you drive and can put you and others at risk. So, eye tests for drivers can be very beneficial in not only helping you keep your license, but keeping other people safe.
Regular eye tests are essential to minimise the risk of poor vision whilst driving. To be legal in the UK, you need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres in good light, which is the equivalent of around five cars. If your eye vision is inadequate for driving an eye test will determine if your vision can be improved sufficiently to be able to drive . Optometrists recommend that you get tested at least once every 2 years. Why is this so important?
VISION CHANGES ALL THE TIME
Eye tests for drivers are always important. Whether you already wear prescription glasses or not, your vision can change a little or a lot over time. This is not always recognised by people themselves but it can make a big difference! Without regular checks, you could be driving illegally.
As we grow older, our vision usually begins to deteriorate at an accelerated rate. The elderly are therefore recommended to get a yearly eye health test.
HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
The main purpose of eye tests for drivers is to maintain safety. If you are driving without adequate vision, this could be very dangerous and sometimes deadly. To protect yourself and others in your car or on the road around you, you must ensure that you can appropriately see hazards, signs, and pedestrians.
Roughly 2900 causalities on the road are due to poor vision. Going to get a regular eye tests for drivers that need them could help the UK significantly lower these incidents.
WHAT CAN IMPACT A DRIVER’S ABILITY TO DRIVE SAFELY?
Some examples are listed below:
- Vision Impairment
- Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Cataracts
If you are diagnosed with eye health-related issues or vision problems, you should report these to the DVLA. Short-sightedness and colour blindness, however, do not need to be.
ARE THE POLICE ALLOWED TO TEST MY EYESIGHT ROADSIDE? AND WHY WE RECOMMEND EYE TESTS FOR DRIVERS.
In short, yes, they are. Police are allowed to conduct on-the-spot tests for vision at any time. They usually do this by asking you to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you are unable to do so, you are breaking the law. The police have the right to revoke your license via the DVLA. So, eye tests for drivers help to prevent you from getting in trouble by diagnosing your eye health.
If you would like to book a driver’s eye test, get in contact today to find out more. We have a friendly team of experts at Dolphins Optometristsready to help. We are passionate about improving your vision and eye health, so don’t hesitate to contact us on 01444 454808 or hello@dolphinsoptometrists.co.uk.
Article: Phoenix Marketing