Driving test set to get easier under new requirements

For many, passing your driving test is one of the rites of passage of life. Being able to get anywhere whenever you like definitely has its attractions in the current climate of constant delays on public transport. It looks set to get slightly easier for those who have to wear glasses to aid their vision, as under a new EU directive, the sight test requirement will be reduced from reading a number plate at a distance of 20m, to 17.5m.

The decision is yet to be made, but ministers say that they believe this shorter requirement will be better overall for prospective drivers as they have taken advice on the matter from the government’s ‘Honorary Medical Panel’. Ministers have also decided to carry out a public consultation which is running until the end of April. This has caused some anti EU groups some concern as bringing the test in line with much of mainland Europe, it could cause the potential accident rates to increase because of the shorter distance.

Many can save themselves the trouble of prematurely failing their driving tests by visiting an optician, where a simple eye test can diagnose whether the provisional driver should need to wear glasses to drive or not. If you do take a driving test without bringing your glasses or informing your instructor that you need glasses to drive, it could lead to you being unable to complete the test, and the examiner informing the DVLA of your poor eyesight.

This is the first time in 70 years that such a major change has been implemented to the sight test portion of the driving test. The last change to it was made due to the introduction of the new style number plates in 2001, where the increase in font size meant that the distance was previously 22m. The new distance of 17.5m brings the United Kingdom in line with the majority of European Union states.

Should the new regulations be approved, not only would this new ruling come into force for new drivers carrying out the test, but it would also affect those drivers over 70 who have to sign a self-declaration stating they are fit to drive and have eye sight that is good enough to drive on Britain’s roads. This would mean that should your eyesight deteriorate as you approach your golden years; your licence could be revoked because of the possible risk posed to not just you but other drivers on the road should an accident occur.