ABDO has stated its full support for the DVLA’s Number Plate Test campaign, which reveals that fewer than half of motorists surveyed know they must be able to read a numberplate from 20 metres away in order to drive safely.
A DVLA Motoring Survey poll of 1,623 motorists carried out in July 2021 found that just 48.5 per cent of drivers it surveyed were aware of this essential eyesight requirement.
The poll revealed:
The agency is calling on drivers to ensure they take the 20-metre numberplate test, which aims to ensure that all drivers meet the minimum eyesight standards before getting behind the wheel. The call to action is part of the agency’s Number Plate Test campaign, which aims to remind drivers that the test is an easy way to regularly self-check their eyesight. It also reminds them they should have their eyes tested at least every two years or as soon as they notice any changes to their vision.
The DVLA is offering examples of how to measure the 20-metre distance, which it says is the same as five car lengths, or the width of eight parking bays, and urging anyone with concerns about their eyesight to book an eye examination.
Lynette Rose, director of strategy, policy and communications at the DVLA, said: “The numberplate test is a simple and effective way for motorists to check their eyesight meets the required standard for driving, which includes reading a numberplate clearly from 20 metres. Anyone can do the test at any time. Twenty metres is typically around the length of five cars parked next to each other – you can test yourself on whether you can clearly read a numberplate of the furthest car. Having good eyesight is essential for safe driving, so it’s really important for motorists to have regular eye tests. Eyesight can naturally deteriorate over time so anyone concerned about their eyesight should visit their optician – don’t wait for your next check-up.”
Jo Holmes, ABDO president, commented: “We fully support the DVLA’s numberplate test campaign, which raises awareness of the importance for people, as well as those that drive, to attend for regular eye checks. Eye checks not only test sight but the health of your eyes and can pick up underlying health problems.
“Patients who require spectacles to aid their vision, to enable them to drive, should be dispensed spectacles by an optometrist or dispensing optician to ensure the spectacles prescribed are fit for purpose. This is why ABDO is pushing for the provision of spectacles to aid sight to drive be included as a protected function in relation to regulation reform throughout the UK.”
Regulations on minimum eyesight standards for driving can be found here.