The announcement comes as ministers prepare to introduce a new compulsory eyesight testing regime for drivers aged 70 and over, part of broader proposals aimed at strengthening road safety standards across England and Wales.
Under existing rules, drivers must inform the DVLA if they develop a medical condition that affects their vision. Motorists are required to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, though they are not routinely asked to prove this unless a concern is raised.
Government guidance states that drivers must notify the agency if they have a problem with their eyesight affecting both eyes, or the remaining eye if they have only one. This does not include short- or long-sightedness, color blindness, or surgery to correct short-sightedness, provided the individual meets the legal eyesight standards.
Specsavers Contract and Alternative Testing Options
When a vision issue is reported, the DVLA may refer a driver for a free eyesight test through its contracted provider. Following what Transport minister Simon Lightwood described as an “open and fair competition,” the current contract for required eyesight tests was awarded to Specsavers in February 2025 and began on April 1, 2025.
According to Mr Lightwood, the contract runs for three years, with the option to extend it by two further one-year periods. Responding to a parliamentary question from Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, the minister said the agency will assess its future needs before the contract ends.
Drivers are not restricted to Specsavers, though choosing an alternative provider comes at personal expense. According to Mr Lightwood, the DVLA will consider vision tests carried out by another optometrist or ophthalmologist, provided the examination meets the agency’s required specifications. If it does not, applicants may still be asked to undergo a further test with Specsavers.
Guidance published on the Specsavers website explains that motorists invited for a required test will receive a letter from the Drivers Medical Group. This includes a unique “M reference number” and a DVLA case number, both needed to arrange an appointment. The letter makes clear that recipients have a limited time to book and attend.
Most required tests involve a visual acuity assessment and a visual field test. The guidance notes that only certain makes and models of visual field machines meet the DVLA’s standards, and not all Specsavers branches are equipped with the approved equipment. Drivers are advised to refer to their letter to identify eligible locations.
Wider Road Safety Reforms and Mandatory Testing at 70
The update on eyesight testing sits alongside broader government proposals intended to improve road safety. Ministers recently set out plans for a new mandatory eyesight test for drivers aged 70 and over, to be repeated every three years.
According to the government’s proposals, this measure is designed to ensure that older motorists continue to meet the required visual standards as they renew their licences. Currently, drivers aged 70 and above must renew their licence every three years, but they self-certify that they meet medical and eyesight requirements.
The planned reforms extend beyond vision testing. The government has also outlined proposals for a mandatory learning period of between three and six months between passing the theory test and taking the practical driving test. In addition, there are plans to reduce the drink-driving limit in England and Wales.
Together, these measures signal a more structured approach to driver assessment, with eyesight testing forming one component of a wider safety framework. The DVLA has indicated that it will review its contractual arrangements before the current agreement concludes, while continuing to process required tests under the existing system. For motorists, the immediate message remains unchanged: any qualifying eyesight condition must be reported, and any required test must meet the agency’s specifications.
