Driving Test Failed

nedmundo

Just to clarify, you need to be able to read a modern style number plate at 20.5 metres - not feet.

bluenoseam

gpc273 wrote: »

Aah an internet expert! Please don't listen as its wrong! And for everyone else the procedure when you attend for a driving test with regard to the eyesight check is as follows;

The first attempt you are asked to read is well over the distance, normally around the 25 - 30m mark. Its got nothing to do with adding stress..
If you cannot read that plate then a second attempt will be made on a different car but slightly closer, if you still can't read it then a 3rd attempt will be made on this vehicle, again slightly closer. At this point you are probably around the 23m mark.
If you cannot read it at the 3rd attempt then the examiner will take you back inside, sit you down and explain that a measured attempt will now be necessary. The examiner will ask your instructor to calm you down as they realise it is stressful, people wearing glasses are advised to clean them.
The examiner will then measure from a 4th vehicle, the distance depends on the number plate fitted, old style plates at 20.5m's and new style at 20m's.
The candidate will be asked to stand astride the tape at the correct point and to read aloud and write down the plate. A fail at this point means a fail AND a termination of the test.
The examiner will fill in a Form 255, this is faxed to DVLA and is how they are informed of someone not meeting the standard.
The candidate will be advised that the DVLA will contact them. This will be to arrange an DVLA eyesight check, this is conducted at a driving test centre and is pretty much along the lines of the 4th attempt, just different paperwork really.

You can forgive me, it wasn't an issue as I read the number plate and didn't need to think twice about doing so. Doesn't change the fact that if he felt the distance was wrong he should have pointed it out and would have been given a second attempt at it with the correct distance having been measured.

gpc273

Forgiven. Sorry having reread my opening line it may seem a tad harsh, no offence intended.

Once the DVLA eyesight test is passed then a new provisional can be applied for.

Hadrian

The DVLC eye test is to be able to read a 'normal plate' at 20.5 meters, (not feet) or 67 feet. The narrow character plates at 20m, 65 feet. If he can't read a number plate at 20 feet I wonder how he can find the car!

Iceweasel

It is definitely 20metres NOT 20ft!

To fail the test the candidate would have to have failed to read correctly 2 number plates on nearby cars chosen at random by the examiner - and then a 3rd numberplate at a carefully measured distance.

GwylimT

As others have said the sight test is in meters not feet, really as a provisional driver the first thing he should have done when he started driving was to have an eye test. He is after all learning how to operate something that can very easily be turned into a killing machine.

naeemsyed

I would to thank everyone for their input. It was a very informative read.

Latest is that DVLA has sent my son a Form V1 (has a section which I believe needs to be filled by his local GP) accompanied with an Application to reapply for a Provisional Driving License.

He has booked an appointment with his GP so he can get himself checked and the medical section of the form completed by the GP.

GwylimT

Has he not booked in for an eyetest?

naeemsyed

Yes immediately after he failed due the eye sight I took him to the optician to have his eyes tested and the optician has been prescribed him glasses to wear which has resolved the sharpness of his vision.

Stooby2

At his age, if he can afford it, I'd recommend getting his eyes done with laser surgery. My eyes went wonky at around the same age and I wore glasses for about 20 years until the surgery was more affordable and a whole lot less intrusive. Not having to wear glasses is so much better and my eyesight is back to 20/20.