Survey Says One & a Half Million Motorists Never Had an Eye Test

Book Theory Test Today looks at shocking survey that shows one & a half million motorists that have never had an eye test.

The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “Sight, an essential of driving, but the revelation that 1.5 million drivers on Britain’s roads have never had an eye test is worrying. Eye sight questions are an essential part of the theory test and, before any practical driving exam is started, candidates are required to take a simple sight assessment.”

The results of the survey have sparked a response from road safety charity, Brake, which has called for eye tests to be made compulsory for all drivers. 

The poll of 1000 drivers, conducted by Specsavers, RSA Insurance and Brake, shows that one in five motorists avoid visiting their optician despite warning signs of reduced sight.

The survey also uncovered that 25% of motorists had not undergone an eyesight test in more than two years.

The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “Vision is everything when it comes to driving, but many associate reduced sight with ageing, too embarrassed to get anything done about it and fearing they may lose their licence because of it. I remember taking my theory test and practical exam and they both took sight very seriously. I had at least two questions about sight on my theory test.”

However, Brake said asking questions on the theory test about sight, or checking whether a candidate can read a number plate from 20 metres away, is not enough. In a statement from Brake, they said: “Currently before the driving test participants are asked to read a number plate from 20m away, but this doesn’t test visual field or contrast sensitivity, which are needed for safe driving.”

The Deputy Chief Executive of Brake, Julie Townsend, said: “Making sure your vision is up to scratch is crucial to safe driving, and though it may seem there are plenty of excuses to put off going to the opticians, none is good enough when it comes to putting people’s lives at risk.”

She added: “If you drive, it’s not just your own health you are jeopardising by neglecting your eyesight, but the lives of those around you. That’s why it’s vital for drivers to get their eyes professionally checked at least every two years – eyesight can deteriorate rapidly without you noticing.”

The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “In my opinion more rigorous checks need to be carried out when testing driver vision. Simply slotting questions into a theory test, and doing a quick check before the practical test, is not adequate. Let’s face it the process of checking eyesight just before a practical exam is a relic of 1930s driving culture.”

What Brake is calling for is professional ‘evidence’ that a driver’s eyesight meets requirements to operate a vehicle safely. In Britain, 74% of people where glasses or contact lenses and when applying for a provisional licence, according to Brake, they should provide documents to show that their eyesight is up to scratch.

At present only over 70s must declare that their eyesight is satisfactory for driving. However, it’s here where Brake emphasises its point, because drivers over 70 do not need to present evidence, they simply self-certify.

Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014 at 8:17 pm and is filed under Book Theory Test Today, Book Theory Test Today News. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.