That split second you squint at a number plate feels harmless but it can flip your whole life into panic with one unforgiving knock on the window.

09:34, Thu, Aug 6, 2026 Updated: 09:34, Thu, Aug 6, 2026

A driver navigates a car through wet streets, seen from inside the vehicle.

Eye tests are mandatory for all road users (Image: Getty Images)

Drivers regardless of age are being warned that if they are driving without the necessary glasses or contact lenses they are in line for £1,000 fine, as well as three penalty points. New research reveals that nearly 11 million (26%) UK drivers are currently overdue an eye test, or haven’t had an eye test in the past two years, as well as one in seven (5.5 million) never having been for an eye test appointment.

It comes as recent news revealed that drivers over the age of 70 could soon face mandatory tests under Andy Burnham's new road safety strategy, and those who don't meet the standard requirements could face having their licence withdrawn.

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Woman has trouble driving while man in passenger seat despairs

Older driver (Image: Getty Images/fStop)

According to YouGov, 37 million UK drivers (88%) agree that mandatory eye tests for older drivers should be introduced1. The current law (Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988) states: “If a person drives a motor vehicle on a road while his eyesight is such that he cannot comply with any requirement as to eyesight prescribed under this Part of this Act for the purposes of tests of competence to drive, he is guilty of an offence.”

The new survey by MoneySuperMarket also found that 7.6 million (nearly one-in-five) UK drivers admitted having previously got behind the wheel without contact lenses or glasses they need to drive, despite 67% (28.2 million) saying they were aware of the possible consequences for their insurance cover.

Under UK driving legislation drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away (around five parked cars) to drive legally, and should have an eye test every two years to meet vision requirements

Alicia Hempstead, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 says that if a driver has a visual impairment, they must not get behind the wheel without the proper means to see clearly.

“Drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away, the equivalent of around five parked cars. Breaking this rule could lead to a £1,000 fine, as well as three penalty points.

“Not only are there legal ramifications to not wearing glasses or contact lenses behind the wheel, but there are also financial ones too should you get into an accident, as your car insurance could be invalidated if you do not meet the standards of vision.

“People’s vision can change over time, sometimes without them realising. That’s why it’s important to have an eye test every two years to make sure you still meet the legal standard for driving safely and confidently.”