Eyesight requirements for driving

[wendyg]

Does anyone know what the limit is for having to wear glasses or contacts to drive? I can find stuff on various sites about the standard test, which is reading a numberplate at 20 meters (or thereabouts), but how does that relate to a prescription.

Hubby's just had his eye test and the prescription is Sphere -075 and -050, Cylinder +075 and +075 and Axis 115 and 30.

I think that's pretty mild, and he shouldn't need glasses to drive.

It's more significant for when he's on his bike, as glasses are such a nuisance under a helmet/ goggles.

Any comments or advice?

[Pigeon]

When I'm on the road I want my distance vision to be pin sharp, and any deviation is a disadvantage. Even more so on the bike. Driving makes more demands on visual acuity than pretty well any other common activity, and the slightest defect, which would barely be noticeable in life in general, makes a big difference; if you're used to it uncorrected, it will be a revelation how much difference correcting it makes.

I make an effort to obtain spectacles which have large enough lenses to fill my field of vision (which is difficult, due to the stupid fashion for tiny lenses that only correct the centre of the field - do not go to Specsavers!) but nevertheless do not find them a problem under my helmet. It's easier to get them comfortable if I put the helmet on first. My suggestion would be to try different helmets and find one that works.

The standard read-the-numberplate eyesight test is woefully inadequate IMO.

[voyds9]

No exact measurement on prescription at which you have to wear to drive. It's literally if you can see the number plate at required distance then you are legal.

However I agree with ^^^^ you should ideally be as clear as possible driving.

[c c]

I don’t find specs too much of a problem with a helmet. It is worth taking the helmet along to the opticians when ring a new pair.

[mawds]

The VA for driving is approx 6/10 on Snellen charts - corrected if necessary, but lenses have to be worn if the uncorrected acuity is less. The actual prescription doesn't correspond exactly to acuity - depends on the problem being corrected ( 968!)