Renewing a driving licence- warning

Patrick2010

Sent in an application for a licence renewal this week but it was returned today, due to the fact that I had answered yes to question 16, (do you wear glasses) so I should have included a medical report from an optician stating I was fit to drive.
Only thing is on the form it states you only need to submit a report if you answer yes to medical questions 18 to 25. Also it says on their website :

You only need to complete a Medical Report D501 if:

• You are over 70 or will be 70 on the day your licence is issued.
• You answer ‘Yes’ to any of the medical questions(except Q16+17) on Application Form D401.

Assumed it was just a mistake and rang up to be told that yes I do need to submit a report as apparently my current licence doesn't state I wear glasses so its assumed I only started wearing them when in fact I've been wearing them for over 30 years.
They were able to check my last application form and verify I had answered yes to wearing glasses but who ever completed the licence missed putting it on the licence (news to me its on the licence, must check later).
Bottom line is I need to get an eye test. If you do wear glasses make sure its noted on your new licence or when you go to renew again you'll be treated as a new wearer of glasses.

mickdw

Yes, that is always recorded on the licence via a 3 digit code. There are a whole range of codes for things such as automatic car only etc

Del2005

They should also do as some European countries do and insist you have 2 pairs in the car at all times.

Bigcheeze

I had laser eye surgery years ago but my license still says I have to wear glasses. Was told I'd have to have an eye test to have it removed so didn't bother.

Buffman

Patrick2010 wrote: »

If you do wear glasses make sure its noted on your new existing licence or when you go to renew again you'll be treated as a new wearer of glasses.

I'm guessing that's what you meant? It's code 01 on the licence. If you've recently (within 1 month) had an eye test your optician can fill in the D.502.

Del2005 wrote: »

They should also do as some European countries do and insist you have 2 pairs in the car at all times.

Ha, I'm struggling to imagine how you'd break a pair while driving, apart from crashing, and if that happens I guess you won't need the second pair.:D

Seriously, I hope the RSA never get to this level of nannyism.

Del2005

Buffman wrote: »

Ha, I'm struggling to imagine how you'd break a pair will driving, apart from crashing, and if that happens I guess you won't need the second pair.:D

You don't break them while driving but I've yet to meet someone who lives 24/7 in their vehicle.

Glasses get lost/stolen or break all the time. If you drive somewhere you have to get back, if your glasses break when you are out then you are a danger on the roads.

Buffman wrote: »

Seriously, I hope the RSA never get to this level of nannyism.

Nannyism is paying for ads advising people to use DRLs, so people who don't pay attention or can't see are let off if they pull out in front of you.

Making people carry a spare pair of glasses, and have regular eye tests, would reduce the need for DRLs in normal daylight as the only people who pull then who be inattentive drivers who can be dealt with by the cops.

Stinicker

There should be a law making Sunglasses in the car mandatory in this country, I have often had a few close calls with dazzled drivers driving against the sun.