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Something I've been wondering..

J

Jelaca

Well-Known Member
Messages
225
Location
UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hey all :)

I'm learning to drive and I don't wear glasses, so obviously I wrote on my provisional lisence that I don't need glasses for driving.. however I know that some days my vision is worse than others (anyone else get that??) And so yeah, most days I am able to read a number plate at the correct distance, it's just other days my vision is worse and I don't think I could read it..

I was wondering a couple of things..

Firstly if I did get some glasses and just wore them for the test, would they pull me up on that?

Secondly.. Do you think it's worth spending £80 and upwards on a pair of glasses just for those random days when my vision is worse? Or should I just chance that my test is on a good day? :P

It's not like i'm in danger, I can drive fine, and I can see fine, but I hope you get me :)
 
Hi, how are your bloods when your.vision is poor. When mine were high I did notice blurry vision but now under control no blurry vision. Did bed temporary glasses after diagnosis when started on insulin but after 3 months no longer needed them.

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Well the first thing to do is to find out why your vision changes and if it is something to do with diabetes. It may not be. People do apply for licenses not needing specs but do need them by the time it comes to taking the driving test. You wouldn't be the first, so there is no need to worry about that. You do need to be examined though. That is your priority, not what you wrote on a form.
 
Jelaca said:
Secondly.. Do you think it's worth spending £80 and upwards on a pair of glasses just for those random days when my vision is worse? Or should I just chance that my test is on a good day? :P

It's not like i'm in danger, I can drive fine, and I can see fine, but I hope you get me :)
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Address your second question first Jelaca, if on those 'random days' you can't see enough to read a number plate at the required distance then I would certainly say that you need to spend £80 on a pair of glasses, you may think your vision is fine but were you to be pulled over by a Traffic Officer after a collision or roadside check and asked to check your vision your going to be in trouble, for peace of mind it's better to safe than sorry.

I don't see why turning up on the day of your driving test with glasses would invalidate your test, if your unsure then check with the DVLA first.

When bg is high, or even low for that matter it does effect the ability to see, it would be interesting to see what your bg readings are when you experience poor vision, in any case it's always advisable to get your eyes checked when you have any concerns of this nature.
 
I wear glasses but I am not REQUIRED to wear them to drive. I have a letter to that effect from my optician. They advise I wear them for my own comfort but legally it's not necessary.

Ignoring your driving test, you DO require a sight test. Having that sort if issue means you probably need glasses
 
You can get prescription glasses (basic) for around £15 including test at many of the large stores.
You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive if you need them to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving’.
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When you explain to the Opticians about the change in vision they will soon sort out what is needed.

I would let the optician advise you if you have eye problems that the DVLA should be advised about, before you give them the wrong information.

Keep us informed how it all works out.

Roy, :)
 
I meet the standards without glasses but tend to wear them when driving as you need all the help you can get on today's busy roads and at speed. Vision is that tad clearer and crisper with glasses. Be guided by your optician first - you may have to pay extra for some additional checks but it is worth the money as we only get one pair of eyes.
 
Hey :) Just wanted to say I passed my driving test last week without using glasses, I am very happy about it, but am still considering just getting a cheapish pair of glasses at some point for my "off days"

Thanks for your help x
 
Jelaca said:
Hey :) Just wanted to say I passed my driving test last week without using glasses, I am very happy about it, but am still considering just getting a cheapish pair of glasses at some point for my "off days"
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Well done on passing your driving test Jelaca :clap:
 
When I took my driving test we were walking out to the car and he asked me to read a number plate. I took out my glasses (which I used for driving) and he said that was alright.
I read the number plate anyway.


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