Driving Tests & Theory
What is the eyesight test on a Northern Ireland driving test?
You must read a vehicle number plate from the required distance before the practical test continues.
At the start of the Northern Ireland practical car test, the examiner asks you to read a number plate on a stationary vehicle.
The standard distance is 20.5 metres for the usual character size or 20 metres for the newer narrower characters described by DVA.
The eyesight check comes before the on-road part. If you normally need glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, wear them for the test and whenever driving.
Research & verification
Sources checked for this answer
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nidirect - Driving eyesight requirements
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nidirect - About the driving theory test
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Information checked:
25 September 2026
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