Visual Requirements for driving

Visual Acuity

• Private Vehicle License:
  • Requires a visual acuity of 6/12 or better, either with both eyes open or in the better eye.
  • cannot drive if better eye is worse than 6/24
• Commercial Vehicle License:
  • Requires a visual acuity of 6/9 (with or without corrective lenses) in the Better Eye
  • poor eye is not below 6/18

Monocular (One-Eyed) Drivers:

• Commercial Vehicle License
  • generally not fit to drive a commercial vehicle
  • conditional licence may be considered by the driver licensing authority if
    • horizontal visual field is 140 degrees
    • visual acuity in the remaining eye is 6/12 or better
• Private Vehicle License
  • subject to 2-yearly review 
  • visual acuity in the remaining eye is 6/12 or better
  • horizontal extent >110 degrees 
  • above and below the horizontal midline 10 degrees
  • .A 3-month adaptation period is required for new monocular drivers to adjust to the loss of binocular vision and peripheral field.

Diplopia (Double Vision):

• People suffering from all but minor forms of diplopia are generally not fit to drive.
• Any person who reports or is suspected of experiencing diplopia within 20 degrees from central fixation should be referred for assessment by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• For diplopia managed with an occluder, a three-month non-driving period applies in order to re-establish depth perception

Visual Field Requirements:

• Private License:
  • requires a visual field of 110° horizontally and 20° vertically, with at least 10° above and below the horizontal midline, and no significant field loss within the central 20°.
• Commercial License:
  • Drivers with visual field defects are not eligible for an unconditional license.
  • A conditional license may be considered if the
    • binocular visual field is static
    • extends at least 140° within 10° above and below the horizontal midline
    • does not significantly impair driving ability.
    • no significant visual field loss (scotoma, hemianopia, quadrantanopia)  that is likely to impede driving performance
• Reporting Responsibilities:
  • If a patient’s visual acuity or field defect does not meet these standards, the doctor must inform the patient they cannot drive and document the discussion.
  • In some Australian states, doctors are also required to notify the licensing authority for license suspension.