DVA report 1.0

Eyesight Test on the Northern Ireland driving test

The practical test starts with the eyesight check. If you cannot meet the required standard, the road-driving part does not continue.

What the examiner is assessing

You must be able to read the required vehicle registration number at the prescribed distance, using glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving.

The category does not determine the grade by itself.A mistake can be recorded differently depending on the circumstances, repetition and level of risk. One serious or dangerous fault fails the test, while 16 or more driving faults also results in a fail.

Examples of weaknesses in this area

These examples are for understanding and practice; they are not a promise that a particular mistake will always receive a particular grade.

Arriving without the corrective lenses you need to meet the legal eyesight standard.

Being unable to read the registration plate at the required distance.

How to improve before the next test

Check your eyesight well before test day rather than discovering a problem at the centre.
If you normally drive with glasses or contact lenses, make them part of your test-day checklist.

Turn the report into practice

Related practice guide

Work directly on the driving skill most closely connected to this report area.

Open practice guide →

Build an Improvement Plan

Add this category alongside the other marks from your report.

Create plan →

Mock Practical Test

Track faults during a supervised practice drive.

Start mock →

Other report categories

Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 22 September 2026.

Official source ↗

Northern Ireland learner guide

Eyesight Test — what to improve

The practical test starts with the eyesight check. If you cannot meet the required standard, the road-driving part does not continue.

You must be able to read the required vehicle registration number at the prescribed distance, using glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving.

Useful points to focus on

Check your eyesight well before test day rather than discovering a problem at the centre.
If you normally drive with glasses or contact lenses, make them part of your test-day checklist.