New Eye Test Laws For Drivers

Sunday, 24. April 2011

The EU are about to do it to us again, impose a new law on us concerning eye tests. The impending legislation will require van drivers to have their eyes tested every 5 years and private motorists to be tested every 10-15 years. In the past there has been no law governing eye tests although most responsible employers offered them to their employees under various sponsored schemes. Fleet News carried out a poll to see how many fleet operators were aware of the impending legislation and over 71% said they were unaware.

The regulations state that all EU member countries must change their national law by 2013 to require all commercial vehicle licence holders to have their eyes tested every 5 years. Many employer groups are complaining about this as it will be expected that employers pay for the tests adding to operating costs at the same time that fuel prices are escalating at the highest rate ever.

The law currently requires you to be able to read an old style number plate (pre 2001) from a distance of 20.5 metres, or a new number plate from 20 metres. If you need to wear glasses it is an offence not to wear them which could result in 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of up to £1,000. Any views on this? Please let me know. By Graham Hill