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Last updated: 25 March 2026

If you drive a van for work, your eyesight is a safety issue — and a legal one. The problem is that many people don’t notice gradual vision changes until night driving, rain glare, or busy junctions make it obvious.

The latest survey snapshot on eye tests

A UK poll commissioned by Churchill and published in June 2025 reported that 24% of drivers hadn’t had an eye test in the past two years. The same release also pointed to Department for Transport data showing eyesight can be a factor in road collisions.

What the law requires for driving eyesight

GOV.UK says you must meet the standards of vision for driving, including being able to:

• Read a number plate from 20 metres away (you can wear glasses or contact lenses), and
• Meet minimum visual acuity (at least 6/12 with both eyes together, or in your remaining eye if you only have sight in one eye), and
• Have an adequate field of vision.

If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, you must wear them every time you drive. GOV.UK also states you could be prosecuted if you drive without meeting the standards.

Police forces do carry out roadside eyesight checks where drivers are asked to read a number plate from 20 metres in daylight.

How often should you get an eye test?

The NHS guidance is that eligible people can usually have a free NHS sight test every 2 years, and sometimes more often if an optometrist recommends it.

If you drive most days (especially early/late in winter or in bad weather), a two-year rhythm is a sensible default — and sooner if you notice changes.

A simple eyesight checklist for van drivers

• Do a quick “number plate check” occasionally in good daylight (from 20 metres), wearing the same lenses you drive with.
• Book a test sooner if you notice: night glare, headaches, squinting, lane-position uncertainty, or difficulty reading signs at speed.
• Keep spare glasses in the van if you rely on them (and keep them clean).
• If you’ve been advised to wear correction for driving, don’t “chance it” for short trips.

For employers and fleet managers: make eyesight part of “fit to drive”

HSE guidance for driving for work says employers should make sure workers are fit to drive and satisfy eyesight and other health requirements.

Practical ways to do this without overcomplicating it:

• Set a policy: eye test every 2 years (or sooner if advised), and confirmation that drivers will wear prescribed correction
• Keep a simple record of test dates (not medical detail)
• Encourage drivers to report changes early

Insurance relevance (keep it realistic)

Motor insurance is not a substitute for being road-legal. If a collision happens and it turns out the driver didn’t meet the legal eyesight standard (or wasn’t wearing required correction), it can create complications when liability and claims are investigated. The simplest protection is staying compliant and keeping your vision checks up to date.

Sources

1. GOV.UK — Driving eyesight rules (20m number plate; 6/12; must wear correction if needed; prosecution risk): View More
2. NHS — How often you can have a free NHS eye test (generally every 2 years; sooner if recommended): View More
3. Direct Line Group (Churchill research) — June 2025 release (24% of drivers no eye test in past 2 years; DfT collision factor reference): View More
4. HSE — Driving for work: look after workers’ health (fit to drive; eyesight requirements): View More
5. Warwickshire Police — roadside number-plate eyesight checks (example of enforcement activity): View More