Boss Calls for Clarification on Sight Standards

Four million UK motorists fail to meet minimum requirements

Car leasing specialist Boss Automotive is urging the Government to clarify eyesight driving requirements – after it was revealed four million UK motorists failed to meet the minimum legal sight standard.

Driving test candidates must be able to read a number plate at 65 feet before the driving part of the test. Legally they should meet this same standard for as long as they hold a licence. Drivers face prosecution if their eyesight falls below the requirement but there are no compulsory sight retests.

Ken Davis, chief executive of Solihull-based Boss Automotive, which also provides vehicle schemes and fleet management services, said:

“The motorist needs more clarity. Most of us assume that we’re not breaking the law as long as we have passed the sight check at our driving test. To learn about the minimum legal requirement thereafter and the prospect of prosecution is worrying. So does the onus rest with the motorist? If so people are unaware of this – we need clarification.”

The research which found four million UK motorists failed to meet the legal minimum sight standard came from a new study of vision and driving by Brunel University.

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