Do I have to wear glasses when driving?

Question

I'm currently learning to drive and have been driving with no glasses. However, recently I went to the optician to have a eye test as I have diabetes. The optician said from a diabetes point of view everything is fine and there is nothing to worry about. She did say however that I have astigmatisim, which basically means that light focuses on two points rather than one, which in turn causes slightly blured vision. This does cause me to occasionally mistake some letters for others e.g. M for N etc. She told me to wear my glasses while reading and driving, however she did say I am not legally required to wear them for driving etc. I noticed on a website however that when taking your practical test the examiner does a eye sight check and if you fail this the test will not go ahead. Would I therefore be allowed to wear the glasses while doing the eye sight check and then taking them off afterwards? I don't feel confortable wearing them and don't know if I could drive with them on!

Answer 1

All applicants, for any category of vehicle, must

be able to read in good light with glasses or

corrective lenses if necessary, a number plate

at 20.5 metres (67 feet) or 20 metres (65 feet),

where narrower characters are displayed (50mm

wide). The characters displayed on all new and

replacement number plates manufactured from

September 2001 are 50mm in width instead of

57mm.

If you have any doubts then you would be best advised to contact DVLA. If you fail the visual test taken just before your practical test then the test will be be stopped and you will lose the money you have paid for it.

Answer 2

If you pass the vision test at the DMV office without wearing your eyeglasses, then you will not be required to wear them while driving.  If you need to wear eyeglasses to pass the vision test, then you will be required to wear them while driving.

I can easily pass the DMV vision test with my right eye.  My left eye has astigmatism and does not pass the DMV vision test.  I do not have the corrective lens restriction on my license.  I choose to wear my glasses or contact lens because I can see much better when I do and have better depth perception.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

If you have to wear glasses to correct vision, you must wear them when driving. Therefore the examiners test is the one that you must abide by.

Answer 4

anything for dmv YES, and if you can see alright afterward then its on you but if it say on your license or something and you get pulled over and don't have it on then you gonna get it. i have glasses but its not on my license but i wear it anyway recently. i been driving for like 6years without them but found its easier to see ahead for street signs haha

Answer 5

If you need the glasses to pass the DMV eye test, your license will say "Corrective Lenses Required" or something along that line depending on which state you're in.

Answer 6

You can do the eye test for DVLA with or without glasses. It is however a very low grade test and it is likely you would pass it quite easily without them. Why not check it out for yourself beforehand, just for reassurance.

The law requires that a licence holder or applicant is considered as suffering a prescribed disability if unable to meet the eyesight requirements, i.e. to read in good light (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79 millimetres high and 50 millimetres wide (i.e. post 1.9.2001 font) at a distance of 20 metres, or at a distance of 20.5 metres where the characters are 79 millimetres high and 57 millimetres wide (i.e. pre 1.9.2001 font).

Answer 7

It depends...when you get your license they WILL tell you.

or on your license it will say....*Corrective Lenses Required*

which means you do!

Answer 8

Well, I believe that if you wear your glasses for the eye test at the DMV, then they will mark on your licence that you are required to wear them to drive.

But...if you feel you would need them to pass the test...doesn't it make sense that you should be wearing them for driving ?