Eyesight

The eyesight check at the start of your NI driving test.

If you cannot meet the eyesight requirement, the practical test will not continue.

Official NI eyesight requirements → Driving Tests NI

Key information

Current Northern Ireland guidance, summarised clearly.

20 metres for number plates with 50mm-wide characters.

20.5 metres for the older standard-size characters described by DVA.

If you need glasses or corrective lenses to meet the standard, you must wear them whenever driving and throughout the test.

What happens if you cannot read the first plate

The examiner gives further opportunities and can measure the precise distance from another plate. If you cannot meet the legal standard, the test ends.

Check before test day

Do not wait until the test centre to discover a vision problem. Check your eyesight in good time and arrange an eye examination if you are unsure.

Related Northern Ireland driving-test guides

Continue with the next part of the learner-driver journey.

Independent NI resource: PureCar is not the Driver & Vehicle Agency and does not take payment for official tests. Official bookings and rule checks should be completed through nidirect/DVA.

Official source: nidirect / Department for Infrastructure · Information checked 22 September 2026.