DVLA could axe thousands of driving licences over condition many are unaware of

DVLA could "immediately revoke" thousands of driving licences from older drivers or slap them with fines, according to insurance comparison site Easyquote. The experts warn that drivers with "inadequate vision" could lose their licence if they're seen as a "hazard on the road".

Easyquote explained: "Drivers are required to notify the DVLA of any deterioration in their eyesight or if they suffer from visual impairments such as cataracts or glaucoma. According to DVLA regulations, drivers must be capable of reading a number plate from 20 metres, assistance from glasses or contact lenses is permissible, but these must be worn at all times while driving.

"Regrettably, failing to meet the minimum eyesight requirements could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence if they are found driving. Furthermore, drivers with inadequate vision may have their licences immediately revoked by the police if deemed a hazard on the road."

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In the UK, over 700,000 people are living with glaucoma, and shockingly, half of them are unaware of their condition. Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged, the NHS states on its website.

It's usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye, reports Birmingham Live. Those with vision problems have been warned they could face fines and penalty points if they fail to inform the DVLA, amid calls for stricter eyesight tests.

Glaucoma can cause vision loss if left untreated, and Brits over 70 are most at risk. The DVLA states: "You must tell DVLA if you've got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye.

"This does not include being short or long sighted or colour blind. You also do not need to say if you've had surgery to correct short sightedness and can meet the eyesight standards."

Drivers must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres, and have a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12). The DVLA warns: "At the start of your practical driving test you have to correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle.

"If you cannot, you'll fail your driving test and the test will not continue. DVLA will be told and your licence will be revoked. When you reapply for your driving licence, DVLA will ask you to have an eyesight test with DVSA. This will be at a driving test centre. If you're successful, you'll still have to pass the DVSA standard eyesight test at your next practical driving test."

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