Eyesight and Driving Licence

Learning to Drive

Eyesight

To be able to drive on the road with a provisional or full driving licence your eyesight must meet certain minimum standards. You can try this yourself by attempting to read a modern style number plate at a distance of 20 metres in good daylight. If you struggle to do this you should visit an optician before starting to drive.

Eyesight correction

If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses in order to pass the eyesight test then that’s ok. However, it then becomes a legal requirement for you to always do so, whenever you drive.* Regular eyesight checks from a qualified optometrist are essential for all drivers.

Your driving instructor will ask you to take an eyesight test on your first lesson. In addition, you will be required to pass an eyesight test at the start of your practical driving test.

Driving licence

You must have, in your possession, a valid driving licence before you can legally drive. You can apply for a provisional licence 3 months before your 17th birthday (or 16th birthday if you are receiving disability living allowance at the highest rate).

DVLA

Driving licences are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). If you have a UK passport you can apply online at www.direct.gov.uk.

Alternatively, ask at a Post Office for application form D1. You will need to include an up-to-date passport style photograph with your application.

You should normally receive your licence within three weeks. Take care of both the photocard and paper counterpart of your driving licence as you must show both parts at your theory and practical driving tests.

You are required by law to inform the DVLA of any change to your health that is likely to affect your ability or fitness to drive a motor vehicle.** You must also inform the DVLA of any change of address, which can be done online at www.direct.gov.uk.

Your first driving lesson

Bring both parts of your driving licence along with you to your first driving lesson so your instructor can check it.

Your provisional driving licence is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and includes the cost of upgrading to a full licence when you pass your practical driving test.

References

*Highway Code (HC) Rule 92. **HC Rule 90.

More information

For more information about learning to drive or if you would like to book driving lessons with us please visit us at Steve Paddy Driving School.