The importance of having good eyesight as a driver is significant, because we all know the potential risks of driving if your eyesight isn’t decent enough.
For obvious reasons, police are determined to ensure that all drivers can clearly see.
In order to ensure that the risks don’t become a reality, some police forces are seriously cracking down on drivers with defective eyesight.
The forces of Thames Valley, Hampshire and West Midlands are planning to test every motorist they stop. Yeah, sounds pretty extreme… but it’s for the best!
Currently, the only compulsory examination of a driver’s vision is during the practical test before they even get their licence. Once you have obtained your licence, it’s completely your responsibility to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you develop problems with your vision.
In this new, major move from the police, drivers who fail to read a number plate from 20 metres away when stopped will have their licences immediately revoked, to ensure the safety of other road users.
Police have stated that the data from the tests will be used to improve understanding of the extent of poor driver vision.
Sgt Rob Heard, representing the police forces taking part in the campaign, said: “Not being able to see a hazard or react to a situation quickly enough can have catastrophic consequences.”
What happens if your licence is revoked?
There are many medical reasons for which your driving licence may be revoked, and you will have to apply for a new one, which includes paying the fee that you paid for your first licence.
The DVLA will give you a disqualification period, and you can reapply eight weeks before the end of this period.
If your licence has been revoked following a failed eyesight test, your reapplication must include evidence proving that your vision meets the required standard. If your evidence is acceptable, the DVLA will then require an additional eye test.
The power to revoke licences came into play in 2013 under Cassie’s Law.
This is named after Cassie McCord, a 16-year-old girl, who died when an 87-year-old man lost control of his vehicle in Colchester.
It later emerged that he had failed a police eyesight test just a few days before, but he managed to find a legal loophole which allowed him to continue driving.
