In focus: Is the new DVLA number plate campaign enough?

The DVLA has launched a national eyesight awareness campaign where drivers will be encouraged to take the number plate test.

This involves checking that drivers can read a number plate from 20 metres away, with five car lengths or eight parking bays being two ways of measuring the distance. They are also encouraging anyone with any concerns about their eyesight to visit their optician or optometrist for a test.

Dr Wyn Parry, the DVLA’s senior doctor, said: ‘The number plate test is a simple and effective way for people to check that their eyesight meets the required standards for driving. The easiest and quickest way to do this is to work out what 20 metres looks like at the roadside… and then test yourself on whether you can clearly read the number plate. It’s an easy check to perform any time of day at the roadside and takes just a couple of seconds.