Driving Test Eyesight Check: Distance, Rules & Failure
The UK car driving-test eyesight check explained: number-plate distance, glasses and contact lenses, three attempts, failure and DVLA action.
How the eyesight check works
The eyesight check takes place before the driving part of the test. In good daylight, the examiner asks you to read the registration number on a parked vehicle.
The required distance is 20 metres for a current-style number plate, or 20.5 metres for an older-style plate. GOV.UK describes a current-style plate as beginning with two letters followed by two numbers, such as AB51 ABC.
Can you wear glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. You can use glasses or contact lenses to meet the eyesight standard. If you need them to pass the check, you must continue wearing them throughout the test and every time you drive.
Take the correct glasses or contact lenses with you. If you know that you cannot meet the standard without them, do not attempt to drive without them.
What happens if you read a plate incorrectly?
DVSA examiner guidance provides a staged check. If you cannot read the first plate, the examiner asks you to try another and may allow you to move forward until you are just beyond the required distance. If that is also unsuccessful, the examiner measures the exact distance from a third plate.
GOV.UK describes this as three chances. If you cannot correctly read the plate at the measured distance, you fail the eyesight check and the rest of the driving test does not go ahead.
What happens after failing the eyesight check?
Failing the eyesight check means failing the practical driving test. You will have to book and pay for another test.
GOV.UK says DVLA will be told and your driving licence will be revoked. When you reapply, DVLA will require an eyesight test with DVSA at a driving test centre. Passing that assessment does not replace the standard eyesight check at your next practical test.
How to check before test day
Practise in good daylight using a clean, clearly visible modern number plate from at least 20 metres away. DVLA describes 20 metres as roughly the length of five parked cars. Use a safe location and do not stand where traffic could put you at risk.
A home number-plate check does not replace a professional eye examination. If the plate is unclear, your eyesight has changed or you are unsure whether you meet the full legal standard, arrange an eye test before driving or taking the practical test.
- Wear the glasses or contact lenses you normally use for driving.
- Check both in ordinary daylight and before the day of your test.
- Bring the correct lenses with you and make sure they are clean and undamaged.
The number-plate check is not the whole legal standard
Drivers must also meet the minimum visual-acuity standard of decimal 0.5, or 6/12 on the Snellen scale, using both eyes together or the only sighted eye. They must also have an adequate field of vision.
Some eyesight problems must be reported to DVLA. Use the official eyesight and medical-condition guidance below, and ask an optician or other qualified healthcare professional if you are uncertain. This guide is general information, not an eyesight assessment.
If you have dyslexia
GOV.UK says you can declare dyslexia when booking your practical test. You can then write down the vehicle registration instead of reading it aloud. Tell DVSA when booking so the examiner knows about the adjustment.
Official sources
This guide paraphrases the official pages below. Open them to check the current rule or service.