Drivers consultation draws to a close

Concerns have been reiterated by the Optical Confederation and College of Optometrists about retention of the number plate test ahead of this week's deadline for consultation on drivers' vision.

Both welcomed recognition by the DVLA's Medical Advisory Panel that the test 'is not an accurate method of assessing acuity' as defined by the EU Directives on driving licences, although the panel considered that the number plate test could be used as a screening test.

While continuing to express their concerns about the reliability of the number plate test, the bodies viewed the proposal enabling health professionals to assess patients' fitness to drive against a VA standard of 6/12 as an improvement on using the number plate test alone.