Our Profesionals have 25 Years Trusted Experience
•
Book Your FREE Eye Test
•
Your Local Eye Experts
•
Our Profesionals have 25 Years Trusted Experience • Book Your FREE Eye Test • Your Local Eye Experts •
DVLA Eye Tests — What Happens and What’s Checked
If the DVLA has asked you to complete an eyesight assessment as part of your driving licence requirements, Neasden Eye Clinic can help with DVLA-compliant vision testing.
DVLA eye tests are designed to confirm you meet the minimum legal standards for safe driving. These are medically focussed tests that check both how clearly you can see and how wide your field of vision is — not just a regular eye test.
What the DVLA Eye Test Involves
When you attend a DVLA eye test appointment, you can expect:
Visual Acuity Test
We will measure how clearly you see at distance by reading a DVLA eye-test chart. This is similar to a typical letter chart but is specifically used to assess whether your vision meets the DVLA’s minimum standard.
Visual Field Test
You will sit in front of a machine and indicate when you see spots of light in different areas of your vision. This test checks your peripheral (wide-angle) vision, which is a legal requirement for driving. The test is usually done with both eyes together and takes only a few minutes.
The test typically takes 20–40 minutes depending on how many checks are required and will feel straightforward with clear instructions from the clinician.
Why this Test Matters
The law requires drivers to fulfil certain vision standards, including:
Being able to read a number plate from 20 metres (or meet a standard equivalent to 6/12 on the Snellen chart).
Having an adequate field of vision with no significant visual field defects.
These standards help ensure you can safely judge distances and react to hazards while driving.
What You Need to Bring
For the DVLA eye test, you should bring:
Your DVLA letter or form (this includes your unique reference number)
A form of photographic ID
Your glasses or contact lenses if you drive with them
Results and Next Steps
After your test, your results are sent directly to the DVLA, which will make any licensing decision. You will be informed by the DVLA in writing about whether your licence can be renewed or if further assessment is needed.
How to Book a DVLA Eye Test at Neasden Eye Clinic
DVLA vision assessments must be booked in advance so we can allocate sufficient time.
Call us on 020 8450 8153 to arrange your DVLA eye test appointment or to check what’s required based on your DVLA letter.