Overview
- Devon and Cornwall Police sergeant Owen Messenger used TikTok via @GeorgesCarMedia to urge motorists to self‑test their vision at 20 metres and book regular optician appointments.
- Police can require an immediate eyesight check after a stop or crash, and a failed test can lead to urgent DVLA action to remove the licence under Cassie’s Law.
- The DVLA standard includes reading a number plate at 20 metres, visual acuity of at least 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale, and an adequate field of vision, with glasses or contacts allowed.
- Lancashire Police reported 697 checks in Operation Dark Night, resulting in three licence suspensions, including one driver unable to read a plate at nine metres, with failures barred from driving away.
- Drivers whose licences are withdrawn must reapply after any disqualification and may need to prove fitness to drive, with officials urging older motorists to monitor gradual vision changes and declare relevant issues to the DVLA.