Motorists fear failing UK road eyesight test as calls for 'desperate reforms' to safety rules loom

Nearly half of UK car owners have warned they would struggle to pass the basic eyesight test required for driving, according to new research.

A survey by car retailer Motorpoint found almost one in two respondents felt they would have difficulty reading a number plate from 20 metres away, the legal vision standard motorists must meet before getting behind the wheel.

The findings have raised concerns about drivers' confidence in their eyesight, with Edinburgh emerging as the city where motorists were most worried.

The report found three-quarters of drivers in the Scottish capital said they were unsure whether they could pass the number plate test.

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Nottingham followed closely behind, with 65 per cent of motorists expressing concerns about their ability to meet the standard.

Lisbon and Portsmouth both recorded figures of 64 per cent, while 63 per cent of drivers in Carlisle admitted they may struggle with the eyesight requirement.

Despite the widespread uncertainty, the survey found strong support for tougher eyesight checks. Half of those questioned said regular eye examinations should be mandatory for drivers.

The research, which surveyed 2,000 car owners across the UK, also revealed significant gaps in public understanding of the rules around eyesight and driving.

Almost one in six respondents were unaware of the minimum vision standard needed to legally drive. More than half did not know they are legally required to inform the DVLA if their eyesight deteriorates and no longer meets the required standard.

More worryingly, fewer than half understood the correct process for notifying the licensing authority about changes to their vision.

The survey also found fewer than two-fifths of motorists knew they could face penalties, including fines and points on their licence, if their eyesight fell below the legal limit.

Around 42 per cent of drivers said they need glasses or contact lenses when driving. However, fewer than one in six admitted they regularly get behind the wheel without wearing them.

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Among drivers who wear glasses, two in five said they do not keep a spare pair in their vehicle. When asked how often eyesight tests should be required, opinions were mixed.

Just over a quarter of respondents supported mandatory testing every three years, while nearly a quarter favoured annual checks. A further 17 per cent believed testing every five years would be sufficient.

The survey highlighted a clear divide between age groups. Drivers aged 65 and over were the most likely to support three-yearly testing but were less enthusiastic about annual checks.

In contrast, motorists aged 17 to 24 were more than twice as likely as over-64s to have yearly eyesight examinations.

More than half of the respondents also agreed poor vision is not just an issue for older drivers and can affect motorists of any age.

The Association of Optometrists said the findings demonstrate the need for reform of the current system.

Dr Peter Hampson, Clinical and Policy Director at the Association of Optometrists, said: "It is disappointing to see that so many drivers on UK roads doubt their vision and are not confident that they meet the required standard, which helps to safeguard them and other road users."

He warned this was yet another example the UK system was in "desperate need of reform" to help protect drivers and pedestrians alike.

Backing proposals for mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70, Dr Hampson said the measure would be "a vital step forward in modernising road safety, preventing avoidable vision-related tragedies... What's needed now is political will".

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