Key points
- Read a post-2001 plate from 20 metres (20.5m for older plates).
- You also need visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12).
- Fail the check and the test ends — and the DVLA is told.
- Test yourself on your street: 26 steps or five car lengths.
The very first thing that happens on your practical driving test is the eyesight check — before you even sit in the car. If you can't read the number plate, the test ends there and you lose your fee. Here's exactly what the rule says, what 20 metres actually looks like, and how to check yourself on your street tonight.
The rule in plain English
GOV.UK says you must be able to read, with glasses or contact lenses if you need them, a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres. You also need a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale, using both eyes together or one eye if you only have sight in one, and an adequate field of vision. The Highway Code repeats the rule and allows 20.5 metres for older-style plates.
Characters on a modern UK number plate are 79mm tall. At 20 metres that's a small target — roughly what you'd see across five parked cars.
What 20 metres looks like
- About five car lengths along a residential street.
- Roughly the length of a typical double-decker bus and a half.
- Around 26 normal walking steps for most adults (one step ≈ 0.75m).
- A little shorter than a cricket pitch (20.12m between the stumps).
How to check yourself before test day
Find a parked car in daylight
The test is done in good light outdoors. Choose a car with a modern plate (two letters, two numbers, three letters).
Pace out 26 steps
Or count five car lengths along the kerb.
Read it aloud, then walk back and check
Do it with three different plates. Wear the glasses or lenses you'll drive in.
Struggling? Book an optician now
Not the week of your test. Many opticians offer eye tests at no cost to under-16s, students under 19 in full-time education and some benefit claimants; for others it's usually a modest fee.
What happens on the test
The examiner points out a vehicle and asks you to read its plate. If you can't, they measure out the exact distance and try a second plate; if needed, a third at exactly 20 metres. If you still can't read it, you fail the test — it won't continue — and the DVLA is told, which means your licence can be revoked until you can show your eyesight meets the standard.
Other eyesight conditions
You must tell the DVLA about certain eye conditions that affect both eyes or your remaining eye, such as glaucoma, cataracts in both eyes or diabetic retinopathy treated with laser. Colour blindness does not usually need to be reported and doesn't stop you driving — we teach learners with colour vision deficiency to read traffic lights by position as well as colour. Check the full list on GOV.UK.
Night driving and glare
Eyesight that's fine at noon can struggle at dusk. If headlights or a low sun dazzle you, get your eyes checked and ask the optician about lenses for driving. Our test day planner tells you whether your test will be in low sun or twilight.
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Frequently asked questions
How far away do you have to read a number plate for the driving test?
What happens if I fail the eyesight test on my driving test?
Can I wear glasses for the driving test eyesight check?
Is 20 metres the same as five car lengths?
Can you drive if you are colour blind?
Sources
- GOV.UK — Driving eyesight rules
- Highway Code — Rules 90–94, fitness to drive and vision
- GOV.UK — Displaying number plates (character size)
- GOV.UK — What happens during the driving test
Published by SQ Driving School, a brand owned and managed by DriveSQ. Checked on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and test centres change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you book.