Driving vision assessments for driving in Ireland: Guidance for optometrists

1. Introduction

This page sets out what optometrists need to do when assessing whether a driver meets the vision standards for driving.

In summary, an optometrist needs to:

• Conduct a driving vision assessment against the vision standards required for driving

• Complete a 'Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form' with the outcomes of their assessment

• Recommend a driver have a full sight test / examination where in their professional judgement it is clinically indicated

• Give clear advice to drivers when they do not meet the required vision standards

• Keep clear records of the advice they give

• Follow applicable guidance where there are concerns that a driver may continue driving against advice.

In this guidance we use 'driver' to refer to applicants for driving licences and learner permits.

2. Driving vision assessments

A 'Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form' ('eyesight report form') is completed by an optometrist or doctor having conducted a driving vision assessment.

A driving vision assessment involves assessing a driver's eyesight against the vision standards for driving. This includes assessment of:

• Visual acuity measurement (with correction if needed)
• Confrontation visual fields.

The form these tests take and how they are completed are matters of professional judgement for the optometrist.

A completed eyesight report form is only required in relation to the following groups of drivers:

• A driver applying for their first learner permit.
• A driver exchanging a driving licence issued by a non-EU country.
• A driver who wishes to remove a '01' notation (the requirement to wear corrective lenses when driving) from their licence, for example, after corrective eye surgery.

Drivers applying for a licence or learner permit who are 75 years of age and over are required to submit a 'Driving Licence Medical Report Form' completed by a doctor. They do not also have to submit an eyesight report form unless indicated by their doctor.

3. Vision standards for driving

The vision standards required for driving are set out in the Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form:

Group 1 (Cars, Motorcycles, Tractors)

Drivers must have:

• Binocular visual acuity ≥ 6/12 with correction if needed
• Horizontal visual field ≥ 120°, with at least 50° left/right and 20° up/down
• No defects within the central 20°

Group 2 (Buses, Trucks, Articulated Vehicles)

Drivers must have:

• Visual acuity ≥ 6/7.5 in the better eye and ≥ 6/60 in the worse eye, with correction if needed
• If using correction, power must not exceed +8.00D
• Horizontal visual field ≥ 160°, with at least 70° left/right and 30° up/down
• No defects within the central 30°

Monocular Drivers

• Group 1: Allowed if adapted and remaining eye meets standards
• Group 2: Not permitted

4. What optometrists need to do

Optometrists need to:

• Perform the tests required to complete the eyesight report form (visual acuity and visual fields).
• Complete, sign and stamp the form.
• Ensure any corrections or alterations are initialled and dated.
• Witness the driver's signature.

Drivers are responsible for submitting a completed form to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS).

5. Driving vision assessments and sight tests

A driving vision assessment is not a sight test:

• A driving vision assessment is simply an assessment to confirm whether the applicant meets the legal driving standards.

• A sight test /eye examination is a clinical assessment of ocular health, refraction, and visual function.

• A driving vision assessment cannot give rise to the issue of a prescription for vision correction or a referral to ophthalmology as it is not a sight test.

6. Circumstances in which a sight test may be clinically indicated

A sight test should be recommended when:

• The applicant is due a routine sight test
• A driving vision assessment shows lower than expected visual acuity or suspected field loss
• The applicant will not meet the driving vision standards without updated correction
• There is suspicion of underlying pathology.

If the driver declines a sight test, a driving eyesight report form must still be completed, as only visual acuity and confrontation fields are legally required.

However, the optometrist must:

• Record clearly in the patient record that a sight test was offered and declined
• Document any concerns about vision or ocular health
• Provide written advice if the patient does not meet the vision standards.

This protects both the driver and optometrist.

7. Reporting to the NDLS

Drivers must inform the NDLS if they have:

• Progressive eye disease (e.g., macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy)
• Monocular vision
• Double vision (and must notify NDLS when resolved).

Optometrists should advise drivers not to drive if they do not meet the required vision standards and record this advice in the patient record.

There is no requirement for optometrists to report drivers who do not meet the vision standards to the NDLS.  This is the responsibility of the driver. However, where an optometrist has concerns that a driver who does not meet the required vision standards will continue to drive, they should follow the advice published by the NDLS and Road Safety Agency (RSA).

More information

• Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form
• National Driver Licence Service - Medical fitness.
• RSA (2025). Medical fitness to drive guidelines.