Keeping an Eye on Sight: Why Vision Checks Matter.
Six people lost their lives on UK roads in 2024 due to drivers or riders with uncorrected or defective eyesight, according to the latest available figures.
Data released by the Department for Transport (DfT) highlights the continuing risk posed by motorists who fail to meet the legal visual standards required for driving.
It is reported that drivers who could not meet the minimum eyesight requirements, such as reading a standard number plate from 20 metres, were involved in 187 fatal or serious collisions in 2023.
The UK’s driving eyesight rules are long established and apply to every driver, regardless of when their licence was issued. These standards exist to protect all road users, and failure to meet them can have devastating consequences.
Implications for HGV & PSV Operators.
For HGV and PSV operators, the stakes are even higher. If a collision occurs involving one of your vehicles due to a driver’s poor vision, the Police, DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner will expect clear evidence of robust internal systems, policies and procedures. Operators who cannot demonstrate appropriate eyesight monitoring may face serious regulatory consequences.
Eyesight checking forms part of the Operator Licence compliance expectations and is reviewed during DVSA & Office of the Traffic Commissioner audits. Routine internal checks should therefore be a fundamental element of every operator’s compliance framework.
Implementing Effective Eyesight Checks.
Operators should conduct internal eyesight checks for all drivers at least every six months. These checks are not clinical tests, but simple assessments to confirm a driver continues to meet the legal minimum standard.
A practical internal check can be carried out by asking a driver to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres (65 feet), with or without corrective lenses. If they cannot read the plate accurately, they must be removed from driving duties immediately and referred to a qualified ophthalmologist for a formal eyesight test. If you are unsure how to perform a driver eyesight check or need a written policy, then OLMC can provide help and support with proven systems.
Driver Declarations and Medical Conditions.
All drivers should complete a medical declaration at the start of employment, then annual their after, including confirmation of their vision status, before undertaking any driving duties. If a driver declares an eye-related condition, operators have a duty to ensure, from the driver, that they have reported the condition to DVLA.
Conditions such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy must be reported to the DVLA by law. Importantly, if an operator is aware of an undeclared medical condition and allows a driver to continue driving, the operator may also be held responsible in the event of a collision.
Summary.
HGV and PSV operators, regular driver eyesight checks are essential, as the DVSA and Traffic Commissioners will scrutinise systems and policies you have within your operation.
Operators should carry out simple eyesight checks at least every six months and ensure these are documented and held on file for each driver, failure to manage eyesight compliance can lead to significant legal and regulatory consequences.
If you are unsure whether your systems and procedures are fully compliant, consider arranging an operator licence compliance audit, which can be carried out in the strictest confidence.
