Drivers breaking the law by not wearing glasses

One in 10 drivers is breaking the law by not wearing their prescribed glasses, a survey reveals. To mark Road Safety Week 2021, which runs until November 21, Lenstore conducted a survey to analyse the current state of drivers’ eyesight in Great Britain.

The vision care experts surveyed 1,029 drivers who wear glasses and/or contact lenses to find out how often they wear their prescription for driving, when they last had a sight test, and their views around testing, driving and older generations on our roads.

The legal eyesight standard set out by the DVLA means that you must be able to read a number plate 20 metres away. Additionally, your eyesight must not be currently worse than 6/12 (decimal 0.5) on the Snellen scale.

When asked about the vision requirement, 65% of respondents gave the wrong distance. Wearing prescribed glasses or contact lenses allows you to meet the 6/12 standard. If you do drive on public roads without meeting this requirement, your licence may be revoked, and you could be prosecuted.

Less than half (48%) of drivers wear glasses prescribed for driving consistently. Over a quarter of respondents (26%) wear their glasses half of the time whilst driving, and one in 10 do not wear them at all behind the wheel.

Interestingly, 53% of men wear their prescription glasses 100% of the time whilst driving, compared to 44% of women. People aged 55 and over are more consistent in wearing their glasses all the time (61%). Those aged 17-24, wear them half as much (30.5%).

As for consequences, 27% of people believe drivers who are caught not wearing their prescribed glasses or contact lenses should face a fine, while 15% believe they should get a driving ban.

The majority (67%) of people surveyed believe drivers over the age of 60 should not be allowed to drive on public roads, and one in five believed drivers should have to retake their test every five years.

Drivers over a certain age can experience more difficulty when it comes to vision and ability to react fast, but many are perfectly able drivers into their 90s.

The Association of Optometrists has previously called for drivers to have a compulsory vision check when they first apply for a licence, then when renewing their licence every 10 years (and every three years for over 70s).

Roshni Patel MCOptom, expert optometrist, said: “With several accidents still taking place on the roads as a result of poor vision, it is crucial for drivers to be receiving regular eye examinations.

“Motorists should take an eye test at least once every two years to ensure they are not causing any dangers to themselves or others. If you experience a deterioration in your eyesight or a change in your vision, arrange an eye test as soon as possible.

“Poor eyesight can lead to slower reactions, which can therefore increase the chances of an accident.”

CLEAR VISION: The minimum eyesight requirement is to be able to read a licence plate from 20 metres away.

Less than half of drivers wear their glasses consistently.