When applying for a taxi license, drivers must complete a taxi medical examination. One of the most important parts of this assessment is the vision test. Good eyesight is essential for safe driving, as taxi drivers spend long hours on the road, often in challenging conditions.
Vision tests are a big part of the taxi medical. They include the use of a Snellen chart and help us to determine how well you can see. This is important for drivers in particular as it is a key part of keeping you, and your passengers safe. The process involves you reading letters from a chart while covering each eye, then with both eyes, from about six metres away.
At SimplyMedicals, we provide professional taxi medicals to help drivers meet the necessary health standards. In this blog, we’ll explain why vision tests matter, what the DVLA requires, and how to prepare for your test.
Why Are Vision Tests Important for Taxi Drivers?
Driving professionally requires excellent vision, as taxi drivers spend long hours on the road, often in busy urban areas. Poor eyesight can lead to:
- Slower reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents
- Difficulty reading signs and road markings, especially in low light
- Reduced depth perception, making parking and overtaking harder
- Struggles with glare from headlights, which can be dangerous at night
A vision test ensures that all taxi drivers meet the necessary standards to drive safely and protect passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
What Are the DVLA Vision Requirements?
To pass a taxi medical, you must meet the DVLA eyesight standards, which include:
- Being able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 meters away (with glasses or contact lenses if needed)
- Having a visual acuity of at least 6/12 (or better) in both eyes
- A sufficient field of vision, meaning no significant blind spots that could affect driving
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you must use them whenever you drive. Your optician or doctor will also check for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which can impair vision over time.
How to Prepare for Your Taxi Medical Vision Test
1. Get Your Eyes Tested Before Your Appointment
If you haven’t had an eye test in a while, it’s a good idea to visit an optician before your taxi medical. They can check your vision and update your prescription if needed, helping you avoid delays in your application.
2. Wear Your Corrective Lenses (If Required)
If you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, make sure you bring them to your medical examination. The doctor will assess your vision with and without corrective lenses, so it’s important to have them with you.
3. Rest Your Eyes Before the Test
Eye strain can temporarily affect your vision, making it harder to pass the test. To keep your eyes in good shape:
- Get a full night’s sleep before your appointment
- Avoid excessive screen time before the test
- Stay hydrated and take regular breaks if you work long hours on a computer
What Happens If You Don’t Pass the Vision Test?
If you don’t meet the required eyesight standards, your doctor may recommend a visit to an optician for a more thorough assessment. In some cases, wearing new glasses or contact lenses may be enough to meet the DVLA’s requirements. However, if you have an eye condition that significantly affects your vision, you may need further tests before being approved for a taxi license.
At SimplyMedicals, we provide hassle-free taxi medicals, including vision tests, to help drivers stay on the road safely. If you need a medical for your taxi license, book your appointment with us today!
Ultimately, It all starts with your Taxi Medical.
Your feedback is most welcome!
Feel free to email us on hello@simplymedicals.co.uk so we can help you.
I hope you will enjoy our videos and articles.
Please like our facebook page and subscribe to our youtube channel.
Therefore, If you need to book a Taxi medical please click here.
