Driving and vision loss

Vision loss and your driver licence

When you are driving a car, good vision is essential to your safety and the safety of those around you.

Any marked loss of visual acuity or visual field reduces the ability to safely drive.

If you’ve lost a significant level of vision, you may not notice another vehicle and/or pedestrians. You may take longer to perceive and react to a potentially hazardous situation. Losing your driver licence due to significant vision loss can be traumatic. It can also lead to feelings of dependence and inadequacy. That makes it important to prepare for a time when you may be unable to drive. You can do this by researching and familiarising yourself with public transport options in your area. Where appropriate you may be able to find the services you need that are closer to home. Local community organisations and councils may offer transport services that you can access to take you to your nearest shopping centre.

Different States and Territories of Australia have different requirements when it comes to the level of vision required to maintain a driver licence. MDFA can help you find out the requirements in your State or Territory.

People who require lenses to correct their vision may be granted a conditional licence. An ophthalmologist or optometrist may also recommend a conditional licence if a person’s visual acuity or visual fields are just below that required by the standard, but the person is otherwise alert, and has normal reaction times and good physical coordination.