The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is urging all motorists to self check by reading a number plate at 20 metres – part of the mandatory test first developed 80 years ago.
Jonathan Lawson (pictured), CEO at Vision Express, describes the campaign as “a positive first step”, but is calling for this to go even further.
He adds: “The ‘number plate’ test was introduced over 80 years ago before the Second World War and eye testing has advanced significantly since then.
“The NHS recommends people should have an eye test every two years, so we would encourage the DVLA to remind drivers that while passing the number plate check might be the legal limit, the government’s own advice is to have a full eye health check with a qualified optometrist.”
A Vision Express survey in 2016 revealed that 59% of UK adults believe reading a number plate is an outdated and ineffective way to check sight; 92% believe they meet the legal eyesight requirement for driving, yet more than 60% could not identify what this is; and three-quarters of those surveyed want a recent eye test to be mandatory when renewing a driving licence.
Last year, DVLA introduced eye test reminders for motorists when they renew photocard driving licences.