Next week is National Eye Health Week, so it feels like a good time to ask:
When did your drivers last have their eyesight checked?
The legal position is that drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, wear glasses or contact lenses whenever they drive if needed to meet the standard, and tell the DVLA about relevant eyesight conditions.
But there’s an important gap in the system and it’s that for most car and van drivers, there is no routine mandatory eye test after they’ve passed their driving test.
Now, you might also recall plans to change that for drivers aged 70 and over and while those plans have NOT yet become law, the Government consultation closed in May and we’re waiting for further news on when to expect that to become the law.
Group 2 HGV and bus drivers will face stricter vision standards, with medical assessments forming part of the licensing process.
For fleets, there’s no blanket rule requiring every company driver to have an eye test at set intervals. However, HSE guidance says employers must manage driving-at-work risks, make sure workers are fit to drive and ensure they satisfy DVLA and Highway Code eyesight requirements.
Regular reminders, clear reporting procedures and ongoing licence checks can all form part of that process…
And if you’re reviewing your wider driver compliance processes, you can download our FREE guide to Driving Licence Checking HERE.
