Drivers who notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of an underlying medical condition that may affect their vision are required to have a visual field test conducted.

Examinations by Specsavers are carried out to the exact specifications required to enable the DVLA to assess whether the visual field requirements for driving can be met.

If drivers choose to get your eyesight test from somewhere else, you can submit the results of an eyesight test done by another optician as long as it includes an ‘Esterman visual test’. DVLA do not guarantee they will accept an eyesight test done by other opticians.

Information about driving eyesight rules can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules.

The DVLA’s contract with Specsavers for vision testing services provides coverage across Great Britain. Specsavers is working to increase the number of stores available to carry out eyesight tests. In the meantime Specsavers may also utilise local opticians for customers who live more than 25 miles from their nearest Specsavers branch, for example those living in rural or semi-rural areas.

Following an open and fair competition, the current contract for Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) required eyesight tests was awarded to Specsavers in February 2025 and commenced on 1 April 2025. The contract is for three years, with the option to extend for two further oneyear periods. The DVLA will consider its future requirements for eyesight testing prior to the expiry of the current contract period. ‑year periods. The DVLA will consider its future requirements for eyesight testing prior to the expiry of the current contract.

The DVLA will consider the results of vision tests carried out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist other than Specsavers. However, such arrangements are at an individual’s own expense and the test must be carried out to the required specifications. If the test does not meet the appropriate specifications, the applicant may still be asked to attend a further examination with Specsavers.

All drivers who notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of an underlying medical condition that may affect their visual field, regardless of age, are required to have a visual field test with the DVLA’s contracted eye test provider. Specsavers. The current contract for this purpose was awarded to Specsavers in February 2025 following a competitive tender exercise.

The contract is for three years with the option to extend for up to another two years.

Driving licence holders and applicants who notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of a medical condition that may affect their eyesight may be required to attend a visual field test before a driver licensing decision can be made. Specsavers currently provide this service and carry out eyesight examinations to the specifications required to enable the DVLA to assess whether the visual field requirements for driving can be met.

The DVLA will consider alternative and relevant medical evidence, including for eyesight, that is provided by a driver or applicant in support of an application for a driving licence. While many opticians, eye clinics and hospitals can identify a visual field defect, the testing carried out for clinical purposes does not always meet the specifications required for assessing vision for driving licence purposes.

Driving licence holders and applicants who notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of a medical condition that may affect their eyesight may be required to attend an appointment for a visual field test to ensure they meet the required standard for driving.

Prior to 2014, the DVLA dealt with many individual opticians on an ad-hoc basis. This was not cost effective so in line with public contract requirements, Specsavers was awarded the vision testing contract following comprehensive consideration of the bids received against the published evaluation criteria. The DVLA is currently considering its requirements for vision testing, including visual field and visual acuity testing, in anticipation of the current contract expiring.

Specsavers’ performance is monitored monthly, in line with the terms of the contractual agreement. Specsavers is meeting all key performance indicators, which include measures for turnaround and quality.