This is why THOUSANDS of Brits are failing their driving test before even getting into the car
A number of learners are failing their practical test due to poor eyesight - and even experienced road users could have their licence revoked for the same reason
THE driving test is one of the most stressful experiences for any new motorist, with almost half of all learners failing their practical exam each year.
But while most aren't passed due to something they've done incorrectly out on the road, a number of drivers are being slapped with an F grade before they've even gotten into the car.
Every learner is given a basic eyesight test at the beginning of their practical, often before they sit down in the driver's seat.
Drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away (with prescription glasses or contacts if required), but thousands of learners fail to meet this standard.
According to figures from the DVSA obtained by , 2,812 people have failed their driving test due to poor eyesight in the last five years.
And 2017 saw the most drivers fail since 2013, with 599 unable to read a number plate from the required distance.
What are the minimum eyesight standards for drivers?
The DVLA outlines the following legal minimum eyesight requirements for all motorists.
In good daylight, able to read (with prescription glasses or contacts if required) the registration mark fixed to a vehicle registered under current standards:
- at a distance of 20 metres with letters and numbers 79 mm high by 50 mm wide on a car registered since 1 September 2001 or
- at a distance of 20.5 metres with letters and numbers 79 mm high by 57 mm wide on a car registered before 1 September 2001 and
- the visual acuity must be at least Snellen 6/12 with both eyes open or in the only eye if monocular
Any driver unable to meet these standards must not drive and must notify the DVLA, which will refuse or revoke a licence.
The law also requires all drivers to have a minimum 120 degree field of vision.
The Freedom of Information request also revealed an increase in the number of motorists alerting the DVLA of eyesight issues.
An incredible 200,289 drivers informed the DVLA of an issue with their eyesight last year, compared to 166,150 in 2013.
And a whopping 42,803 road users were either refused on application for a licence or had their licence revoked for eyesight related conditions over the last five years.
Due to the high number of motorists reporting poor eyesight, three police forces launched a crackdown last month.
Motorists in Thames Valley, Hampshire and the West Midlands can be stopped by police and asked to complete the standard eyesight test.
If they are unable to read a number plate from the correct distance, they could have their licence revoked on the spot.
Earlier this year, the DVLA revealed around half of British motorists weren't aware of they were required to self-check their eyesight regularly to make sure they still met the minimum standard.
With the survey suggesting millions of drivers could be on the road with insufficient eyesight, the DVLA’s Senior Doctor, Dr Wyn Parry, warned of the importance of regular eye tests.
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Dr Wyn Parry said: "The number plate test is a simple and effective way for people to check their eyesight meets the required standards for driving.
"The easiest and quickest way to do this is to work out what 20 metres looks like at the roadside - this is typically about the length of 5 cars parked next to each other - and then test yourself on whether you can clearly read the number plate.
"Having good eyesight is essential for safe driving, so it’s really important for drivers to have regular eye tests.
"Eyesight can naturally deteriorate over time so anyone concerned about their eyesight should visit their optician - don’t wait for your next check-up."