Road Ready Vision

June 20, 2024

Ensure Your Vision is Road-Ready

Do you have your eyes tested frequently? A driver’s ability to see and react to potential hazards on the road is critical to preventing accidents, as poor vision is one of the leading causes of car accidents.

Having good vision is particularly important for drivers, which is why learner drivers are required to read a number plate from a distance at the start of their practical driving test. Regular eye exams help ensure that drivers have adequate vision to drive safely, which can ultimately save lives.

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Signs you need a Sight Test

Signs that you may need an eye test include difficulty reading road signs, struggling to see clearly at night, experiencing frequent headaches, squinting, or noticing blurred or double vision. If you encounter any of these symptoms, booking an eye test promptly can help prevent accidents and ensure your vision meets the necessary driving standards.

Driving Eyesight Rules in Northern Ireland

You must be able to read a standard number plate from a distance of 20 metres, with spectacles or corrective lenses if required.
You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive if you need them to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving’. You could be prosecuted if you drive without meeting the standards of vision for driving. This is why it is so important to have your eye test regularly, to see if there are any changes to your eyesight.
You must tell the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) if you have any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes. This does not include being short or long-sighted or colour-blind.

The average person should have their eyes tested once every 2 years. To make sure you are keeping yourself and others safe on the road, please have you eyes tested frequently, especially if you have noticed a change in your vision.