Every bus and lorry driver must meet the Group 2 eyesight standard, which is stricter than the standard for car drivers. PCV Medicals includes the eyesight test in every D4 medical, so in most cases you do not need a separate optician's appointment before you apply.
What eyesight do you need for a D4 medical?
Visual acuity is a measure of how sharply you see at a distance, tested by reading letters on a chart. For a Group 2 licence you need to meet both of these minimums, wearing glasses or contact lenses if you use them to drive:
| Eye | Minimum standard | Decimal |
|---|---|---|
| Better eye | 6/7.5 | 0.8 |
| Other eye | 6/60 | 0.1 |
You must also be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres, which applies to all drivers. The acuity standard is the one most likely to cause difficulty, particularly for drivers whose prescription has changed since they last saw an optician.
Can you wear glasses or contact lenses for the D4 eye test?
Yes. You can meet the standard with glasses or contact lenses, provided you wear them when you drive. If you wear glasses, the corrective power must not be more than +8 dioptres in either lens, because very strong lenses distort vision towards the edges. Contact lenses are not subject to that limit.
Bring the glasses or contact lenses you drive with to your appointment, and your prescription if you have it. The prescription helps the doctor confirm the strength of your lenses.
Visual field requirements for Group 2 drivers
Your visual field is the area you can see around you while looking straight ahead. Group 2 drivers need a horizontal field of at least 160 degrees, extending at least 70 degrees to the left and right and 30 degrees up and down, with no significant defect within the central 30 degrees. Field loss can develop gradually without being noticed, which is why it is checked at every D4 medical. If there is any doubt about your field of vision, the DVLA may ask you to have a formal visual field test.
How the eyesight test works at PCV Medicals
The eyesight test takes place during your D4 appointment, before the medical questions and blood pressure check. The doctor asks you to read a chart with each eye in turn, then checks your field of vision. The results are recorded on the eyesight section of your D4 and form part of the completed report you send to the DVLA. If anything falls near the limit, the doctor explains what it means for your application.
Preparing for the test
- Wear or bring the glasses or contact lenses you use for driving
- Bring your most recent prescription if you have it
- If your vision has changed recently, consider an optician's check before booking
- Mention any eye condition or treatment when you request your quote
Eye conditions you need to declare
Conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, double vision or loss of sight in one eye need to be declared. Some are compatible with Group 2 driving and others are not, and the DVLA assesses each case using its own guidance. Bring any letters from your optician or eye clinic so the doctor has the full picture. Our guide to medical conditions and Group 2 licences covers other health issues the D4 asks about.
What happens if you don't meet the eyesight standard?
The doctor records your results accurately and talks you through them before you leave. If your eyesight could be corrected with new glasses, it is usually worth seeing an optician and then booking again. Where the shortfall cannot be corrected, the DVLA may refuse Group 2 entitlement. The decision always rests with the DVLA.
Booking your D4 eyesight test and medical
The eyesight test is part of every PCV medical, HGV medical and D4 renewal at PCV Medicals, and it is included in the fixed fee shown in your quote. To arrange an appointment in Newcastle upon Tyne, request a quote and let us know if you have any concerns about your vision.
This guide is general information for drivers, correct to the best of our knowledge when written. Rules change, so check current guidance on GOV.UK, or ask the doctor at your appointment.