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Driving safely
Having good vision is important to help you drive safely. Here are our top tips to help you see clearly when driving.

When to see your optometrist
You should visit your optometrist if you notice any changes. Even if you do not notice any changes in your vision, we recommend regular eye examinations to make sure your eyes are healthy and you are seeing as clearly and comfortably as possible. For most people, we recommend an eye examination at least every two years.

The standards
The line on the optometrist’s sight test chart that you must be able to read is the 6/12 line. Your optometrist will be able to tell you if you can read it, and if you need to wear your glasses to do so. The second test that you must pass to be able to drive is to read a number plate (in the style introduced in 2001) from 20 metres away. You can check this yourself at home.

You must tell the DVLA if:
You can no longer meet the vision standards for driving, or if a condition or disability has got worse since you got your licence www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions

Driving when you are medically unfit to do so is a criminal offence, and you could face a fine of up to £1,000. You could be putting yourself or others at risk.

Safe Driving Patient Leaflets - Optometry Wales