Specialeyes Eyecare provides visual acuity and visual-field testing for DVLA driving assessments, including Group 1 and Group 2 standards. We also carry out eyesight-related medical assessments for the UK Army and provide vision testing for British Boxing Board of Control boxing medicals and pilot medical paperwork. Bring your form or instructions so we can confirm the test you need.
These are the current general standards published by GOV.UK. DVLA makes licensing decisions and may request a specific test, provider or report. Taxi and private-hire licensing can have separate local requirements.
Drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, with glasses or contact lenses if needed. Visual acuity must be at least 6/12 (0.5) with both eyes open, or in the only seeing eye if monocular, and the driver must have an adequate field of vision.
GOV.UK describes a Group 1 field standard of at least 120° horizontally, extending at least 50° to each side, with no significant defect close to central vision.
Group 2 applies to bus and lorry drivers and has a higher standard. Visual acuity must be at least 6/7.5 in the better eye and 6/60 in the other eye. This can be met with contact lenses, or with glasses no stronger than +8 dioptres.
The visual field must be uninterrupted for at least 160° horizontally, extending at least 70° left and right and 30° up and down. No defect is permitted within the central 30°.
Taxi, minicab and private-hire driver requirements may be set by the local licensing authority and may not be identical to DVLA Group 2. Bring the current council or licensing-authority form so we can check which vision tests it asks for.
Driving vision checks may include reading letters on a digital test chart and checking peripheral vision with an automated visual-fields machine. The test requested and the report required depend on the letter or form you have received.
A routine eye test is not always the same as a DVLA-requested visual-field or medical assessment. If DVLA has referred you to a contracted optician, follow that instruction. A practice test does not guarantee DVLA will accept the result or issue a licence.
For car and motorcycle drivers, the general standard includes reading a number plate from 20 metres and visual acuity of at least 6/12 (0.5) with both eyes open, or in the only seeing eye if monocular, with an adequate field of vision. See GOV.UK for the full requirements.
For bus and lorry drivers, the general standard is at least 6/7.5 in the better eye and 6/60 in the other eye, plus a wider visual field. Glasses used to meet the acuity standard must not exceed +8 dioptres. GOV.UK publishes the complete field requirements and exceptions.
We have experience carrying out vision and eyesight assessments for UK Army medicals. The required standard and report can depend on the role and application, so contact us with the current instructions before booking.
The governing body is the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC). We provide vision and eyesight testing for boxing medical paperwork. Bring the current form so we can confirm the required assessment.
We provide eyesight testing in support of pilot medical paperwork. Requirements depend on your CAA class and medical instructions. A UK CAA pilot medical certificate itself must be issued through an authorised aeromedical examiner.
No. DVLA decides whether a test and supporting evidence meet its requirements. It may require an assessment with its contracted optician. Bring your letter so we can confirm what test you have been asked to arrange.
Not necessarily. Taxi and private-hire requirements can be set by the local licensing authority. Bring the current council form and we can check which vision assessment is requested.
Call Specialeyes Eyecare with your DVLA, UK Army, British Boxing Board of Control, licensing or pilot medical instructions. We are at 128 Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, London W12 8AA.
