Changes to drivers vision standards
The changes to the vision standards for drivers were finally passed in law on 8th March 2013. As well as the well-publicised changes to the group 1 requirements some surprising and last minute changes were made to the requirements for groups 2, bus and truck drivers; the key changes are outlined below.
Group 1 (Car) Drivers:
Must have (with corrective lenses if necessary);
· Both a binocular visual acuity of at least 6/12 (decimal 0.5); and
· Read a new style number plate (2 letters followed by 2 numbers followed by 3 letters) at 20 metres.
· A visual field, with both eyes open, of at least 120 degrees horizontally, with at least 50 degrees either side of fixation, and at least 20 degrees above and below fixation. There must be no significant defects within the central 20 degrees.
Group 2 (Bus and Truck) Drivers:
Must have (with corrective lenses if necessary);
· A visual acuity of 6/7.5 (decimal 0.8) in their better eye, and at least 6/60 (decimal 0.1) in their worse eye. There is no longer a specific unaided vision requirement. If spectacles are worn they must not have a power greater than +8.00 dioptres. Any correction must be well tolerated.
· A visual field, with both eyes open, of at least 160 degrees horizontally, with at least 70 degrees either side of fixation, and at least 30 degrees above and below fixation. There must be no defect within the central 30 degrees.
Some Grandfather rights will continue to apply.