Can't drive because of eyesight - 16 Year Old?

Question

Hi,

I was born in 1990 (16 years old now) with a rare eye disease called Presumed familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), which left me nearly blind in one eye and made my right eye quite bad as well.

Its never really made much of a difference to my life. I've always excepted I'm different and lived with it, however, its really hit me this year how much its put a damp stop on my life. The most, being unable to drive.

I'm guessing even if i could see the number plate from the correct distance, i would never get insured.

I'm just wondering, does anyone know any information on the visual law for UK driving. I've tried searching for people with my eye disorder, however, its so uncommon, theres hardly any information on it.

My parents said i should get an electric moped, as you don't need a license, tax, etc, however, they're annoying to other drivers as they're so slow, and i don't want to be singled out.

My Acuity - 6/18 RE; 1/60LE
(whatever that is)
thanks

Thanks to the two people below.
Also, i'm not sure if i can see a number plate from 20 metres. I'll have to get a tape measure out and measure 20metres from someones car, without looking like a weirdo.

I can't have lazer surgury, as my eye condition is mainly weak retina's in my eyes, which i think there is no cure for as of yet.

How do i reply to peoples replys?
I go to Moorefields eye hospital in London, so i think i'm going to ask all these questions.

Answer 1

If your eyesight is such that you can't drive a car, do you really think it's safe to drive a moped?

In many states you need a license for any vehicle that uses the public roads.

Answer 2

If you are unsuccessful on the first eyesight test, you should be asked to read another number plate, and if necessary be allowed to walk forward until you are just over 20.5 metres away or 20 metres if it is a new number plate.

If you do not read the second plate correctly, the examiner must use a tape measure to measure the exact distance from a third number plate. This will be 20.5 metres if you are asked to read an old-style number plate and 20 metres if you are asked to read a new-style number plate. If you can not read the number plate at this distance, and the examiner is satisfied that you do not meet the required eyesight standard, you will fail the driving test, and the practical test will not continue.

I also sent a link with the UK information for taking the drivers test.

Have you considered lazer surgery?
My Brother was near blind in his left eye, and had it corrected to nearly perfect.
He now reads books, and the news paper, something he had his wife read for him before.

Good luck - I think everyone needs a chance to drive.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to read of your vision difficulties, Nowadays not being able to drive is a real downer.
Firstly you need to check to see if you can read the numberplate at 20 metres. If you can't do this easily then that's the end of it. if you can then you really need to get in writing a statement from a qualified optician that you eyesight is up to standard for driving. This will enable you to answer questions on your insurance proposal truthfully. There are many drivers unfortunately who can do the numberplate, but have other problems like tunnel vision, and who shouldn't really be on the road. Best of luck!

Answer 4

According to the DVLA you need to score above 6/9 which means you can read a car plate at 20.5 metres. I'm afraid your acuity is too low according to those figures. Go and see your optician though he might have some suggestions. I knew a bloke who had bad peripheral vision problems but they let him drive if he wore a pair of big bug-eye glasses. I'm not sure about the electric moped though, are they legal on the road?