DVLA doubts over plate test

Medical advisers at the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency have acknowledged that the number plate test is inaccurate but the government is standing by its proposals to retain the test and make it easier.

Last week the DVLA launched further consultation on eyesight standards for drivers and said that the original consultation document, published in February, 'did not accurately reflect some of the opinions of the Medical Advisory Panel on driving and visual disorders'.

In documents released with the new consultation, the panel said it recognised that the number plate test 'is not an accurate method of assessing [visual] acuity' as defined by the EU Directives on driving licences but considered that a number plate test could be used as a screening test.