A new study has uncovered that more than 2,000 candidates have flunked their driving test before they’ve even got in the test vehicle over the past five years. The reason? Poor eyesight.
As part of the test, you are expected to read a number plate on a stationary car from 20 metres away. If you fail after three attempts, your examiner will fail you on the spot as well as inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Damning data
According to the analysis by learner driver insurer Veygo, 2,190 learners have had their test abruptly cancelled for this reason. And with driving tests costing £62 a pop, that means almost £1360,000 has been wasted over the past five years.
For instance, the study reveals that in 2018, there were 572 eyesight-related failures and 541 in 2019. In 2020 and 2021, the figures dropped to 280 and 339 respectively – but as this period was impacted by the pandemic, there were less tests being conducted, which explains the drop.
On the up
However, in 2022, figures have started going up again with 486 learners being failed. Also, if you’re a man, you’re more likely to go for a test with poor eyesight than a woman – 1,311 male learners failed over the last five years compared to 879 female learners.
More worryingly, the overall figures could creep up even further. Currently, eyesight tests are carried out during the day in good light. However, there are plans to introduce eyesight testing in different conditions and times. This could catch even more people out; while they may be able to scrape through in good light, they might struggle in less favourable conditions.
Get tested
The advice? It’s simple – if you think you may have a problem with your eyesight, then go and get your eyes tested at an optician. You should do this before your next driving lesson, never mind before your test, so any visual impairment can be resolved quickly.
Remember, you don’t need to inform the DVLA if you are long or short-sighted or colour blind – you just need to be able to see clearly at all times when on the road, never mind before the test itself.
Be aware
As for learners who pass their test on the big day but go on to develop poor eyesight, Veygo’s CEO Jams Armstrong says that not resolving the issue represents a risk to you and other road users, and “failing to wear the correct eyewear to drive could also invalidate your insurance policy, meaning you could be out of pocket should you need to make a claim.”
He recommends you get your eyes tested at least every two years to avoid “costly mistakes”. Well said.
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