Drivers who wear prescription glasses could be hit with fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points if they're caught driving without them. And as well as this, motorists also risk voiding insurance policies if they're involved in an incident that's later deemed their fault and they weren't wearing their required prescription glasses at the time.
Many people with short-sightedness will need to wear their glasses when behind the wheel to ensure a clear view of the road. Glasses may also be necessary for other eye-related issues.
According to DVLA rules, drivers "must wear glasses or contact lenses every time they drive if they need them to meet the 'standards of vision for driving'". It's also mandatory to inform the DVLA if you have any eyesight problems affecting both eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one.
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Drivers must be capable of reading (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001, from a distance of 20 metres. You must also have an "adequate field of vision", and your optician can provide more information on this and conduct a test.
At the beginning of your practical driving test, you're required to correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle. Failure to do so will result in failing your driving test and the test will not proceed. The DVLA will be informed and your licence will be revoked.
Upon reapplying for your driving licence, the DVLA will require you to undergo an eyesight examination with the DVSA at a driving test centre. Even if you pass this, you'll still need to meet the DVSA's standard eyesight requirements during your next practical driving test.
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