Drivers Need Better Vision

According to research from Vision Express, one in five UK residents have not had their eyes checked since passing their driving test. This is equivalent to 7.6 million driving licence holders not having any vision checks since reading a number plate at a distance of 20 m when passing their driving test.

Police Test Eyesight of all Stopped Drivers

Following successful trials in 2018, Police across the UK will soon have the powers to take immediate action against any driver who fails to read a number plate when requested to do so by a police officer. The new system will allow the police to inform the DVLA electronically of any driver who fails to read a number plate. This will allow the DVLA to revoke the licence immediately. It is a condition of the licence that the holder is able to read a number plate, with or without glasses, at a distance of 20 m.

What happens if your Driving Licence is revoked?

If your driving licence is revoked, firstly the DVLA will issue a disqualification period. You may reapply for your driving licence eight weeks before the end of the disqualification period. The fees will need to be paid for this. Part of this procedure would mean booking an eyesight test at a local driving test centre. This is not as simple as booking an eyesight test at a local optician as DVSA driving test centres often have a waiting time of well over two months.

Scrapping the 20 Metre Number Plate Test

A spokesperson for Vision Express centre the 20 m test was devised in 1937. We now have sophisticated ways of testing vision which makes the number plate check obsolete. Vision Express is calling for the number plate test to be stopped and replaced with a mandate very eyesight test every 10 years to coincide with driving test renewal dates.

DTC Driving Test Services

Regardless of whether you’re learning to drive or have held your licence for most of your life, we all know the stress that is involved in obtaining your driving licence. DTC UK what advice or people reading this blog to see if they can read the number plate and a distance of 20 m. If you do require glasses, your advice to get them and earliest opportunity. In fact, keeping a spare pair in the vehicle at all times. Consider improving your driving further by simply visiting the DTC UK YouTube channel. Wishing you safe and enjoyable driving throughout 2019 and beyond.