DVLA issues update over changes to ‘required’ | Tech News

The Government has issued an update about changes to necessary check for drivers. The update comes after the Government not too long ago set out plans to herald a new check for motorists over a sure age.

Under present guidelines, the DVLA can refer you to have an eyesight check when you report a medical situation that impacts your imaginative and prescient. You need to have the option to learn a licence plate from 20 metres away to drive within the UK.

You do not have to show you are able to do this, however drivers should inform DVLA in the event that they develop an concern with their imaginative and prescient. Government steerage states: “You must tell DVLA if you’ve got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye.

“This doesn’t embody being short or long sighted or color blind. You additionally don’t need to say when you’ve had surgical procedure to right short sightedness and might meet the eyesight requirements.”

Should you report one of these changes, you may be referred to have an eyesight test free-of-charge with the DVLA’s “contracted optician”. The current optician providing these tests is high street giant Specsavers.

Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan asked the Government if it will be reviewing the award of the contract for eye tests to Specsavers. Transport minister Simon Lightwood provided a response.

He said: “Following an open and honest competitors, the present contract for Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) required eyesight exams was awarded to Specsavers in February 2025 and commenced on April 1, 2025. The contract is for 3 years, with the option to prolong for 2 additional one-year durations.”

He went on to say that the DVLA will consider its needs for future eyesight tests before the end of the contract with Specsavers. However, he indicated that you can go to other providers to get the test done.

Mr Lightwood said: “The DVLA will think about the outcomes of imaginative and prescient exams carried out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist different than Specsavers. However, such preparations are at an particular person’s own expense and the check should be carried out to the required specs.

“If the test does not meet the appropriate specifications, the applicant may still be asked to attend a further examination with Specsavers.” Guidance on the Specsavers web site explains that if you’re invited to get a required check with them, you’ll get a letter from the Drivers Medical Group.

Letters going out

This will embody an ‘M reference quantity’ that’s distinctive to you, in addition to a DVLA case quantity. The data explains: “This M reference number should be used when making your appointment at Specsavers so that we can request the appropriate paperwork.

“It’s important to be aware that you’ll have a restricted time to guide and attend an appointment so please organize this as quickly as potential after receiving your letter.” Most of these eye tests will include a visual acuity test and a visual field test.

For those thinking of going elsewhere for the test, the guidance explains: “Only a few makes and fashions of area machines can carry out the check specified by the DVLA to their requirements and the DVLA Specsavers shops have all the suitable machines. Not all Specsavers shops can perform the precise DVLA sight check.

“You should refer to your letter – only those stores with the DVLA-approved field machine models will be shown as an option.” The Government not too long ago set out plans for a new necessary eyesight check for drivers aged 70 and over, to occur each three years.

This was half of wider plans to improve street security, which additionally included bringing in a three- to six-month studying period between your principle and sensible exams. There are additionally plans to cut back the drink driving restrict in England and Wales.