Half of drivers may fail legal eyesight standard, Motorpoint warns

Half of UK motorists may be at risk of driving with eyesight below the legal standard, according to new research from Motorpoint, which found that only 50% of drivers believe they could read a vehicle registration plate from 20 metres away.

Reading a number plate at 20 metres is the minimum legal eyesight requirement for driving in the UK. Drivers who fail to meet the standard could receive three penalty points, a fine of up to £1,000 or have their driving licence revoked.

The research, based on a survey of 2,000 UK motorists, comes amid continued calls for the Department for Transport to consider mandatory in-person eyesight testing for older drivers instead of the current self-certification process required every three years for those aged over 70.

While the Government recommends motorists have an eye test every two years, views on mandatory testing varied. Around 28% of drivers said eyesight tests should take place every three years, 23% favoured annual testing and 17% believed every five years would be appropriate.

Motorpoint also found that fewer than two-fifths (38%) of motorists knew they could be fined or receive penalty points if their eyesight failed to meet the legal standard. Among drivers who wear glasses or contact lenses, almost one in six admitted they regularly drive without them despite needing corrective lenses, while two-fifths said they do not keep a spare pair of glasses in their vehicle.

Tim Rodie, motoring expert at Motorpoint, 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.”

Daniel Hardiman McCartney, clinical advisor at The College of Optometrists, said: “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.