Some motorists need to undergo a number of checks
Transport minister Simon Lightwood shared an replace about driving guidelines (Picture: Parliament TV)
The Authorities has issued an replace about adjustments to necessary take a look at for drivers. The replace comes after the Authorities lately set out plans to herald a brand new take a look at for motorists over a sure age.
Underneath present guidelines, the DVLA can refer you to have an eyesight take a look at if you happen to report a medical situation that impacts your imaginative and prescient. You want to have the ability to learn a licence plate from 20 metres away to drive within the UK.
You do not have to show you are able to do this, however drivers should inform DVLA in the event that they develop a difficulty with their imaginative and prescient. Authorities steerage states: “It’s essential to inform DVLA if you happen to’ve received any downside together with your eyesight that impacts each of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you happen to solely have one eye.
“This doesn’t embody being brief or lengthy sighted or color blind. You additionally don’t have to say if you happen to’ve had surgical procedure to right brief sightedness and might meet the eyesight requirements.”
Must you report one among these adjustments, chances are you’ll be referred to have an eyesight take a look at free-of-charge with the DVLA’s “contracted optician”. The present optician offering these checks is excessive road big Specsavers.
Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan requested the Authorities if it is going to be reviewing the award of the contract for eye checks to Specsavers. Transport minister Simon Lightwood offered a response.
He mentioned: “Following an open and honest competitors, the present contract for Driver and Automobile Licensing Company (DVLA) required eyesight checks was awarded to Specsavers in February 2025 and commenced on April 1, 2025. The contract is for 3 years, with the choice to increase for 2 additional one-year durations.”
He went on to say that the DVLA will contemplate its wants for future eyesight checks earlier than the top of the contract with Specsavers. Nonetheless, he indicated you could go to different suppliers to get the take a look at accomplished.
Mr Lightwood mentioned: “The DVLA will contemplate the outcomes of imaginative and prescient checks carried out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist aside from Specsavers. Nonetheless, such preparations are at a person’s personal expense and the take a look at should be carried out to the required specs.
“If the take a look at doesn’t meet the suitable specs, the applicant should still be requested to attend an additional examination with Specsavers.” Steering on the Specsavers web site explains that if you’re invited to get a required take a look at with them, you’ll get a letter from the Drivers Medical Group.
Letters going out
It will embody an ‘M reference quantity’ that’s distinctive to you, in addition to a DVLA case quantity. The data explains: “This M reference quantity ought to be used when making your appointment at Specsavers in order that we will request the suitable paperwork.
“It’s necessary to notice that you’ll have a restricted time to e-book and attend an appointment so please prepare this as quickly as potential after receiving your letter.” Most of those eye checks will embody a visible acuity take a look at and a visible area take a look at.
For these considering of going elsewhere for the take a look at, the steerage explains: “Only some makes and fashions of area machines can carry out the take a look at specified by the DVLA to their requirements and the DVLA Specsavers shops have all the suitable machines. Not all Specsavers shops can perform the precise DVLA sight take a look at.
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“It’s best to check with your letter – solely these shops with the DVLA-approved area machine fashions will likely be proven as an choice.” The Authorities lately set out plans for a brand new necessary eyesight take a look at for drivers aged 70 and over, to occur each three years.
This was a part of wider plans to enhance highway security, which additionally included bringing in a three- to six-month studying interval between your principle and sensible checks. There are additionally plans to scale back the drink driving restrict in England and Wales.
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