Drivers across the UK could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they neglect to inform the DVLA about certain eye conditions. According to official guidelines, failing to report an eye condition that subsequently causes an accident could result in this substantial penalty.
The DVLA must be notified of any condition affecting both eyes, or the one eye with vision if that’s the case. Furthermore, if a GP, optician, or eye specialist has advised that you do not meet the visual standards for driving, the DVLA must also be informed.
The legal requirements for driving stipulate that all drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, have no double vision, and possess a normal field of vision in at least one eye, which can be verified by an optician. Eye conditions that could impact your driving and must be reported to the DVLA include:
- nyctalopia (night blindness)
- blepharospasm
- retinitis pigmentosa
- diplopia (double vision)
- glaucoma
- diabetic retinopathy (with laser treatment)
These conditions primarily apply to those holding a car or motorcycle licence. For those with a bus, coach, or lorry licence, there are additional conditions that must be reported.
These include:
- Cataracts (if you have an increased sensitivity to glare)
- Loss of an eye
- Macular degenration
- Monocular vision
- Visual field defects
How to report an eye condition to the DVLA
You can report any eye condition that you believe will affect your driving by filling in a V1 form and sending it to the DVLA. You can also make a report or find the relevant form online.
If you are a bus, coach, or lorry driver, then you will instead need to fill in a V1V form. A copy of this form can be found and printed out from GOV.UK here.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
