Good vision is essential in many tasks, especially when you have to operate a motor vehicle. Good vision allows you to react fast, which then minimises the risk of road traffic accidents.
Driving with poor vision can put the driver and other road users at risk of harm. There are thus certain visual standards you have to meet to drive in Singapore. Drivers of all classes of vehicles under the age of 65 have to undergo a mandatory eyesight test and declaration of fitness at driving centres. Drivers age 65 and above have to undergo and pass a medical examination with a registered medical doctor once every 3 years to be certified fit to drive.
Visual Stardards for Driving
Visual Acuity
Drivers holding a Class 1 to 3 license (non-commercial driving) must have visual acuity of at least 6/12 in one eye. If the visual acuity of the poorer eye is less than 6/36, the horizontal field of vision should be at least 120˚.
Drivers of commercial vehicles (e.g. taxi, private hire car service, bus, goods vehicles etc.) must have visual acuity of at least 6/12 in both eyes.
Colour Vision
Drivers with colour vision problems are able to drive as long as they can identify the traffic light colours - red, green and amber - during the vision check.
Visual Field Defects Visual field defects are most commonly caused by conditions such as glaucoma - an eye condition that damages the optic nerve - and stroke. Those assessed to have any significant visual field defect are unfit to drive.
Double VisionThose assessed to suffer from double vision are unfit to drive.
Common conditions that affect visual fitness for driving:
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic eye disease&
- Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)
- Stroke
Please highlight to your attending eye doctor if there are special visual requirements required for your work, e.g. pilot, crane operator, air traffic controller etc. Do consult us if you are in doubt of your fitness to drive.
- Article contributed by Optometry, Allied Health Services -
