Snellen test standard to rely on honesty

Enforcement of the new visual acuity standard for driving cars and motorcycles will rely on information being volunteered to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Following the announcement of a Snellen standard (News 11.05.12), the DVLA has confirmed that from May 1 it was unable to license drivers who told them they had been advised their vision was below 6/12. The same applied to those found to be below this standard 'through other investigation', a DVLA statement said.

Road safety charity Brake welcomed the new standard but called for the removal of the number plate test, which was kept at 20 meters.