Educational draft · awaiting clinical reviewUse Rapid for revision, not patient-care decisions. Check current national and local guidance and the BNF or BNFC before acting.
2 min synopsisUK scopeSources checked 7 Sept 2026Clinical review pending
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Unsafe vision means no driving now
New double vision, sudden sight loss or failure to meet the applicable visual standard requires an immediate driving decision. Waiting for an appointment or licensing letter does not make continued driving safe.
Action: Advise the patient not to drive when vision is unsafe or the relevant restriction applies, arrange assessment of acute symptoms, and explain any duty to notify DVLA in Great Britain or DVA in Northern Ireland. Document the advice and help plan alternative transport.
Synopsis
Apply visual driving standards in the correct jurisdiction and licence group, explain immediate restrictions, and assess work capability through the actual visual demands of the job.
Great Britain uses DVLA; Northern Ireland uses DVA and its published instructions.
Group 1 requires the number-plate test, at least 6/12 acuity and the applicable field standard.
Group 2 normally requires at least 6/7.5 in the better eye and 6/60 in the poorer eye.
Key red flags
The patient is driving despite new binocular diplopia or sudden visual loss.
Investigation priorities
01
Snellen acuity and practical number-plate requirementFirst step
Assess the applicable legal acuity requirements with correction where needed.
Management branches
Driving assessmentTurn the findings into clear immediate advice
An eye condition or its treatment may affect the person's ability to drive safely.
Identify the licence group and responsible agency, then assess the relevant acuity, field and functional issues.
Explain whether driving must stop and whether notification is required under the condition-specific guidance.
National guidance is shown before implementation-dependent detail. Typical adult dose examples remain subject to patient factors, contraindications and the live BNF or specialist protocol. Source check completed 7 Sept 2026; clinical approval remains outstanding.