17 June 2026
A survey of UK car owners has explored the level of understanding of motorists around eyesight standards and the legal requirements for driving.
Responding to the release, the AOP has highlighted that the survey results provide an example that the UK system “is in desperate need of reform.”
Car retailer, Motorpoint, surveyed 2000 UK car owners, finding that though half agreed drivers should have their eyes tested regularly, nearly the same proportion of respondents admitted they would not be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.
The survey delved into the numbers of drivers who felt they would struggle with the number plate test across the UK, with 75% in Edinburgh, 65% in Nottingham, 64% in Lisburn and Portsmouth, and 63% in Carlisle, believing they would struggle.
Almost a sixth of drivers did not know the minimum eyesight standard to be able to legally drive.
The survey suggested 42% of motorists require glasses to drive, however, under a sixth of those who need vision correction to drive admitted to regularly driving without wearing their contact lenses or glasses.
Of glasses-wearing drivers, two-fifths said they do not keep a spare in their car.
Asked about the vision standards for driving, over half of car owners surveyed were not aware that reporting vision changes to DVLA was a legal requirement.
Less than half knew what steps they should take if they had to notify the DVLA about vision changes.
The survey also found that less than two fifths of drivers realised they can be fined or have points added to their licence if their eyesight falls short of legal requirements to drive.
Asked how often motorists should be required to undergo mandatory vision tests, 28% felt testing should be every three years, 23% said yearly, and 17% thought every five years should be the requirement.
When the results were categorised by age, the company found that car owners over the age of 65 were most in favour of testing every three years, but least likely to want yearly testing, while motorists between the ages of 17 to 24 were over twice as likely as drivers over 64 to suggest mandatory testing should be yearly.
The survey found that over half of drivers agreed poor eyesight was not just an issue that impacted older drivers.
Reflecting on this, Motorpoint suggested this means “more could be done to ensure all drivers understand their responsibilities and keep on top of getting their vision checked.”
Responding to the findings, Dr Peter Hampson, clinical and policy director at the AOP, 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.”
“This is yet another example that shows that the UK system is in desperate need of reform,” Hampson said. He added: “There is a clear opportunity for Government to take decisive action and leadership on this critical issue.”
Hampson shared: “Introducing compulsory eye tests for the over 70s, as set out in this year’s Road Safety Strategy, is a vital step forward in modernising road safety, preventing avoidable vision-related tragedies.”
“The evidence tells us that there is broad support for mandatory eyesight testing, the public wants change, and the profession is ready to deliver if the appropriate system and funding are put in place. What’s needed now is political will,” he concluded.
AOP and College of Optometrists support reform of assessing drivers’ eyesight
The professional bodies respond to proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over 70
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to join the discussion. Log in