Getting Started!

Eyesight!

Your eyesight must meet certain requirements before you can drive on the road.

You can check this yourself, by reading a number plate from the specified distance. The older style number plates (X 000 XXX format) have thicker lettering and so the distance to be able to read these is 66 feet or 20.5 metres.

The newer number plates (XX 00 XXX format) have thinner lettering so you only have to be 60 feet or 20 metres away.

You probably haven't got a tape measure that long, so the easiest way to do this, is to walk towards a number plate until you can read it comfortably without squinting. The average stride length is a little under 3 feet. So with big strides, see how many steps you need to get to the vehicle. If it is more than 25 paces then your eyesight is fine. However, if you have only 25 paces or less, you ought to go and see your optician for an eyesight test.

Your driving instructor will check your eyesight on your first lesson and won't let you drive if he or she isn't happy that you can see well enough. Your examiner will also check your eyesight before your test. If you fail the eyesight test your practical test will be terminated then and there and you will lose your fee. If you are prescribed glasses for distance vision, you must always wear them when you drive.