Having vision in only one eye does not have to prevent driving, providing that vision remaining is of the required level.
You do not have to inform the DVLA about the loss of an eye, providing your remaining vision meets the standards of vision for driving. However, if you have any medical issues with your remaining eye – or indeed if you have any medical issues – it is recommended that you check the DVLA Health Conditions pages. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.
If you previously held a Heavy Goods Vehicle or Public Service Vehicle licence you must let the DVLA know you now have monocular vision. You will need to complete the form V1V from the DVLA website.
It is also advisable to inform your insurance company that you now have monocular vision, as they may ask for an eye test to be taken to prove that sight remaining is of the sufficient level for driving.
It may take several months for you to adapt safely to driving with one eye. In particular, your ability to judge distances accurately may be affected and you may less aware of objects to each side of you. To help, you will need to make more use of your wing mirrors. You will also need to bear in mind that blind spots caused by your car’s design will be larger for you if you can only see out of one eye.
However, many patients report that after some time of being back behind the wheel, on reflection, they consider themselves more careful drivers now than they were before as they make doubly sure to check all around them before making manoeuvres like changing lanes or making turns.
You may wish to consider obtaining a pair of glasses specifically for night-time driving with an anti-reflective coating. Even if you don’t specifically require glasses, this type of spectacle can enhance acuity, decrease reflection and decrease glare. You should discuss this with an optician.
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