Macular disease and driving

Driving

Having macular degeneration does not automatically mean you have to stop driving. Many people still meet the legal requirements and can continue to drive safely and legally.

However, if your eye specialist says you have any sight condition in both eyes which cannot be corrected with prescription glasses, you have a legal duty to inform your driving licence authority. If you don't, you could be breaking the law, resulting in a fine of up to £1,000.

You should also inform your car insurance provider. This is the case even if you feel your sight is still good.

On this page:

Assessing your vision
Sight tests
If you fail the test
Planning ahead
Driving abroad
Group 2 driving
Mobility scooters
Useful links
Licence authorities

Assessing your vision

When you contact the licensing authority you will be sent a questionnaire about your vision. You may also be asked for permission for your GP to pass on information about your sight. You may be asked to see an eye specialist for sight tests.

Sight tests

A visual acuity test measures the sharpness of your vision. To drive a private car or motorbike you must have a minimum binocular visual acuity of at least 6/12. This means that when you use both eyes together, with glasses or contact lenses if necessary, you can see at 6 metres what a person with normal vision can see at 12 metres.

A visual field test measures your range of vision to the sides. You must have an uninterrupted horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees with an extension of at least 70 degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30 degrees.

The number-plate test checks whether you can read a standard car number plate in good daylight, wearing any prescription spectacles, from 20 metres. You can try it by walking 25 paces away from a parked car - one picked at random, not one you know - and see if you can read the number plate. This is only an indication and does not guarantee your sight meets the required standard for driving.

If you fail the test

Based on your results, the driving authority will decide whether it is safe for you to drive.

If you do not meet the required standard you cannot drive on a public road. If you do, you will be guilty of a serious offence. You may also invalidate your insurance.

In degenerative conditions, such as macular degeneration, your vision will be rechecked every 12 to 24 months. If you feel your sight has worsened and you're not sure if it's affecting your ability to drive, seek advice from your GP, optician or eye specialist.

Planning ahead

If it seems you may need to stop driving in the future, it is better to take control and plan ahead.

Check local public transport. If you are registered sight impaired there may be travel discounts available. And you could spend the money you save by not running and insuring a car on other forms of transport.

If you have any doubts about whether your vision is good enough to drive, consult an optician or ophthalmologist.

Driving abroad

Most European countries follow the same sight rules. However, some parts of the world may have different requirements. Before travelling abroad, check whether you are still eligible to drive.

Group 2 driving

All previous information relates to driving a private car or motorbike. There are much more stringent requirements for group 2 drivers - those who drive larger or passenger-carrying vehicles. Contact the relevant driving authority for further information.

Mobility scooters

The laws regarding the use of mobility scooters are not currently clearly defined. However, they are under review.

Currently the DVLA strongly advises that users should:

Have a minimum visual acuity of 6/24
Be physically able to control the vehicle
Have third-party insurance cover
Receive basic mobility scooter training.

By law, users must not handle a mobility scooter if taking medication that makes them drowsy, or if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are in any doubt, please consult your GP or optician.