new driving licence rules for people over 70

[jann]

For the C1 medical, they use a scale model of a number plate at a shorter distance, in the rather dim light of a hotel meeting room.
I would have no difficulty reading a real number plate at 20 metres, but to read their test plate at a closer distance, I do need my glasses (which I always wear anyway.

This varies depending where you go for the medical.
I was asked to read a standard opticians chart ,with and without contact lenses.

 

[Caz]

For the C1 medical, they use a scale model of a number plate at a shorter distance, in the rather dim light of a hotel meeting room.
I would have no difficulty reading a real number plate at 20 metres, but to read their test plate at a closer distance, I do need my glasses (which I always wear anyway)

For the C1 medical, they use a scale model of a number plate at a shorter distance, in the rather dim light of a hotel meeting room.
I would have no difficulty reading a real number plate at 20 metres, but to read their test plate at a closer distance, I do need my glasses (which I always wear anyway.

This varies depending where you go for the medical.
I was asked to read a standard opticians chart ,with and without contact lenses.

Yes, my medical to retain my grandfather rights was just a standard opticians chart, with and without my glasses.

 

[trevskoda]

What needs to be addressed is regular eyesight tests for all drivers.

Many people just don't bother getting their eyes tested regularly and don't realise that they have defective vision or that it has declined.

Before I retired I met quite a number of potential drivers of all ages who simply couldn't meet the very basic quick measurement of reading a number plate at 20 metres and I had to send them away to see an optician and get some glasses for driving before I would let them have any lessons. I wouldn't mind betting that many who should be wearing glasses when driving don't do so.

I require specks but detest them as i see reflection and frames block line of sight, im for going lazer and a lens in one eye.

 

[Geek]

I require specks but detest them as i see reflection and frames block line of sight, im for going lazer and a lens in one eye.

You can get rimless glasses and if you get ones that are fairly large and sit close to your face, the rim isn't an issue.
Personally, I don't find reflections a problem. In fact, I actively avoid anti-reflective coatings because they make the glasses harder to keep clean.

 

[Geek]

This varies depending where you go for the medical.
I was asked to read a standard opticians chart ,with and without contact lenses.

I'm only old enough to have done two of them. Both were D4D and both used the stupid mini number plate.
I guess I could ask the optician next time I have a test, but it'd probably just increase the cost without providing me any benefit.

 

[trevskoda]

I cant see to well these days as £20 notes seem to be plucked from my wallet without a sinner in sight.

 

[Bigshug]

guess I could ask the optician next time I have a test, but it'd probably just increase the cost without providing me any benefit.

When I had my normal 2year eye test, at specsavers, the optician filled in the form and signed it for no charge

 

[GeoffL]

I'm only old enough to have done two of them. Both were D4D and both used the stupid mini number plate.
I guess I could ask the optician next time I have a test, but it'd probably just increase the cost without providing me any benefit.

Hopefully, no cost. FWIW, I've got a D4 medical booked early next month and I recently had an eyetest with Vision Express where the optician filled in the visual assessment section of the D4 without charge. Personally, I'd rather have an optician do that bit anyway as they don't need your glasses to fill in that section, and so you can be certified while waiting for new glasses to arrive...

 

[Geek]

Hopefully, no cost. FWIW, I've got a D4 medical booked early next month and I recently had an eyetest with Vision Express where the optician filled in the visual assessment section of the D4 without charge. Personally, I'd rather have an optician do that bit anyway as they don't need your glasses to fill in that section, and so you can be certified while waiting for new glasses to arrive...

Good idea. I'll ask next time I go to the opticians. The trouble is synchronising with licence renewals.

 

[GWAYGWAY]

Specsavers are the authorised supplier because the have peripheral vision checker . It has little light that flash on randomly. I took it and ‘failed’ because they forgot to tell me what to do about pushing a button when the light went of. Tried it again and all fine. It seems a pointless bit of gear but they persuaded DVLA it was necessary.

 

[Borders2]

That actually makes a lot of sense. A short, practical assessment in their own vehicle sounds fairer than relying solely on paperwork. It would give a better idea of real-world ability without putting too much pressure on people. I reckon most older drivers who are still confident on the road wouldn’t mind proving they’re still up to it either.

Yes it would be fairer BUT on roads that they use. I haven't driven on a motorway for years for instance. Someone from Mull would be a single track + passing place expert though.

 

[colinm]

Specsavers are the authorised supplier because the have peripheral vision checker . It has little light that flash on randomly. I took it and ‘failed’ because they forgot to tell me what to do about pushing a button when the light went of. Tried it again and all fine. It seems a pointless bit of gear but they persuaded DVLA it was necessary.

Every year Moorfields tests my eyes should I tell them that test is pointless?

 

[jann]

Can you remember how many years we still had to carry a paper licence as well as the card.It will probably be many years before an app takes over .
Look on gov.uk for details.