Age 70/Glasses

Okell

@Car_54 - So is it the case that with the exception of the 20m numberplate test - which I assume is still carried out when you take your driving test - your peripheral vision is never tested unless you have what are - in effect - optional "routine" eye tests?

I wouldn't say that qualified as a requirement* to be able to drive

And is this "peripheral requirement" more recent than when i took my test in 2000? (I'd never had a "routine" eye test until my driving instructor suggested I might need one after I'd passed my test…!)

*I'm using "requirement" in the sense of something that needs to be checked before you are allowed to drive and not after.

marcia_

i only found out i had a visual field issue when i went for an eye test thinking i might need glasses. I did but not for the visual field issue, just shortsighted. It's the test where you click the button when you see a light.

Apparently i have black spots in my visual field due to brain surgery. I cant see them because your brain fils in the gaps when they are not too large. I still had to stop driving and have another test by a DVLA tester, they said i can continue driving but later had to stop driving anyway because my seizures returned.

Car_54

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81952043#Comment_81952043

Although gov.uk gives the advice ("adequate" field of vision) quoted in my previous post, it seems that the DVLA do not agree.

They say: "Legislation** requires that car or motorcycle (group 1) drivers should normally have a field of vision with a width of at least 120 degrees and at least 50 degrees on either side at fixation. In addition, expert medical advice to DVLA recommends that there should be no significant "scotomata" (areas of field loss)encroaching within 20 degrees of fixation.

If you have total loss of sight in one eye, you must not have any problem with the field of vision in your other eye."

** = They helpfully do not tell us which legislation.

Confused? Me too.

So far as a "requirement" is concerned, the only test before you can drive is the number plate one. However, if the DVLA require a test for whatever reason then the field of vision should be tested, along with visual acuity. where the minimum allowable is Snellen 6/12 with both eyes open (or the only eye, where applicable). And if you drive without meeting those standards you are guilty of an offence. Another reason to have regular eye tests.

See https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67b5ae883e77ca8b737d3879/INF188x1-the-legal-eyesight-standard-for-driving.pdf

Baldytyke88

I have a lazy eye and no one has ever said it's a problem. So just one good eye

badmemory

It isn't a problem. What always worries me about this new eye test they keep talking about it only applying to over 70s. Apparantly no-one under 70 ever has an eyesight problem. Interesting piece of trivia though - I didn't need glasses for driving until I was 70 where as my parents & sister all needed them before they were 25

Bonniepurple

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81949558#Comment_81949558

it was on Channel 5, Cause of Death special

Herzlos

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81952543#Comment_81952543

Isn't it that over 70's need a mandatory eye test, whilst everyone under 70 just has to meet the vision standards? Of course, you're relying on people self certifying that they are safe to drive, which means a lot of people presumably aren't. I dread to think how many people need glasses but refuse to get a test or just don't wear them.

badmemory

Why should there be any difference according to your age. Your eyesight tends to be good, bad or responds to assistance - glasses. It is irrelevant whether you are 20 or 70, the same eyesight rules should apply.

What many seem to be implying now is that if I need glasses to drive then if I am only say 50 then I don't need to wear them but if I am 70 I will get done for not wearing them.

Grey_Critic

I suspect that this is just another attempt to blame OAPs for the faults of others. I have worn glasses since I was 7 yrs old - i am 86 this year. According to insurance companies the statistics say people under 25 are most likely to have accidents. It would be far more sensible for everybody to have their eyes tested every couple of years. It can and does deteriorate over time.

flaneurs_lobster

I suspect that this is just another attempt to blame OAPs for the faults of others. 

There's a chunky throwaway.

Some examples of these others?