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Having campaigned for months regarding the current standard of eye sight testing for motorists in the UK, the Optical Confederation have been left feeling a little flat following confirmation of 'new' testing procedures which have been in place and effective since May 2012. While the OC had hoped for visual testing by eye and optics specialists to determine a car user or motorcyclists 'fit to drive' abilities, the outline requirements show that the motorist is still asked to self certify rather than actually be examined.
- Snellen standard 6/12 tick box introduced to test forms
- Drivers asked to confirm that they can read a number plate from 20 metres away
- Drivers asked to confirm that they have not been advised to avoid driving due to their visual abilities
- £20 fee will be paid for certifying the visual acuity of lorry and bus drivers. Not applicable to other motorists
It seems that the crux of the concerns that not only the Optical Confederation but also many insurance companies had has not been addressed, the number plate test. Many organisations have claimed the exam to be outdated and not inline with more modern standards used across Europe. The DVLA have however kept this procedure in the new regulations. While it seems the DVLA have taken note of the fact that a more thorough eye exam is appropriate to determine peripheral vision as well as simply information displayed directly and stationary in front of the eyes, the onus has been left in the drivers hands to take care of themselves, and 'tick' to assure that they have taken precautions.