Driving Eyesight Test: DVLA Requirements, Over-70 Rules, and What Happens If You Fail
You need adequate vision to drive legally. Here are the DVLA standards, the new over-70 rules, and what a required eye test costs.
DVLA Eyesight Standard
Number Plate Test
20 metres
Read a standard number plate from this distance
Snellen Acuity
6/12
Minimum with both eyes open (with glasses if worn)
The DVLA requires all drivers to be able to read a standard number plate (post-2001 format) from 20 metres. This equates to a visual acuity of approximately Snellen 6/12. You may wear glasses or contact lenses to meet this standard.
If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, you must wear them every time you drive. Driving without them is a criminal offence, even if you only need them for distance vision.
Over-70 Licence Renewal
Updated rules from August 2025
When you turn 70, your driving licence expires and must be renewed every 3 years. The renewal process now requires confirmation of a recent eye test:
DVLA sends a D46P form
Sent to you approximately 90 days before your 70th birthday, or 90 days before your current renewal expires.
Have an eye test
Must be within the last 12 months. Any qualified optician or GP can provide the test.
Confirm on the form
Declare that you have had an eye test and that your vision meets the DVLA standard.
Return the form
The renewed licence is free of charge. No photo is needed if your appearance has not changed.
Cost of the eye test: Over-60s (and therefore all over-70s) qualify for free NHS eye tests. There is no cost for the eye test or the licence renewal itself.
What Happens If You Fail
If an optician finds that your vision is below the DVLA standard and cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses:
- •The optician is legally required to advise you to stop driving
- •You have a legal duty to inform the DVLA using form V1 (available at gov.uk)
- •The DVLA may revoke your licence until your vision meets the standard
- •You may be referred to a hospital eye department for further assessment
- •If treatment (such as cataract surgery or updated glasses) restores your vision to the standard, you can reapply
Important: Driving with vision below the standard is a criminal offence. If you are involved in an accident and your vision is found to be below standard, your insurance may be invalidated.
Practical Driving Test Eyesight Check
Before your practical driving test begins, the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from 20 metres. If you cannot read it:
- •The examiner measures 20 metres and asks you to try again
- •If you still cannot read it, the test is cancelled immediately
- •No refund is given for a cancelled test
- •You must have your vision corrected before rebooking
If you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, make sure you bring them to the test. Practice the number plate reading distance before test day.
Cost of a Driving Eye Test
There is no separate "driving eye test". A standard optician eye test covers everything the DVLA requires. The cost depends on your age:
Over 60
Free
NHS-funded eye test
Under 60
£20-35
Standard eye test price (unless NHS eligible for other reasons)