A survey that was conducted by the DVLA revealed that not even 50% of drivers know that they should be able to read a car number plate from 20 meters away….
The people surveyed revealed that fewer than half of the drivers were aware that, to drive safely, you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres (65 feet 7 inches) away. With road users on the increase, the DVLA is urging drivers to take the 20-metre number plate self-test.
Driving regulations state that, “Drivers must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.” Of the 1,623 drivers who took part in the DVLA survey, 744 (48.5%) knew you needed to read a number plate from 20 metres, 454 said it was 25 metres, 322 thought it was 15 metres, and 103 had no idea.
At the start of every practical driving test, you must correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle that is approximately 20 metres away. If you cannot do this correctly after 3 times (the third being an actual measured distance) you will fail your driving test and the test will be unable to continue.
Check your vision is up to speed
The agency’s Number Plate Test campaign encourages motorists to use a simple test to regularly check their own eyesight to ensure they meet the minimum vision standards before they drive. It also reminds them to have their eyes tested at least every two years.
Driving safely depends on good eyesight, so regular eye tests are important for every driver. Your vision can deteriorate naturally, so if you notice any change or deterioration in your vision, you should visit an optician and not wait for your next scheduled check-up. It’s feared that many drivers may have missed getting their eyes tested because of the pandemic.
Anybody whose eyesight starts to fail so much it affects your driving you MUST inform the DVLA.
Number Plate Test
The number plate test is quick and simple to do yourself. The DVLA says that 20 metres is equivalent to around the width of eight parking bays or five car lengths.
Lynette Rose, Director of Strategy, Policy, and Communications at DVLA stated, “The number plate test is a simple and effective way for motorists to check their eyesight meets the required standard for driving, which includes reading a number plate clearly from 20 metres. Anyone can do the test at any time. You can test yourself on whether you can clearly read a number plate of the furthest car.”
Personalised Number Plates are Plain to See
While drivers must be able to see a standard number plate from 20 metres, personalised number plates tend to stand out from a further distance. Whether you use your name, initials, trade, or memorable date, private plates add a distinctive personal touch to your vehicle and do tend to be more memorable that current style number plates.
Remember, maintaining good eyesight is essential for safe driving. Regularly performing the 20-metre number plate test and having routine eye examinations will help ensure you meet the necessary standards.
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