👁 Eye Test Requirements
Driving Licence Eye Test — What You Need to Know
Every driving licence application in Ireland requires an eye test report. Here's exactly what the standard is, who can certify it, how long it takes, and what happens if your vision doesn't meet the minimum.
⏱ 5 min read✓ Updated 2026🇮🇪 Ireland
Maximum age of report
1 month
Who can sign
Optician or GP
Standard required
6/12 in better eye
The D502 eyesight report
The D502 is the official eyesight report form required for all Irish driving licence applications. It must be completed and signed by a registered optician (optometrist) or a registered GP. The form is available to download at ndls.ie or your optician will typically have copies.
The eye test itself is straightforward — your optician checks your visual acuity using a standard eye chart and assesses your visual field. The appointment takes about 10–15 minutes if you're only going for the D502 (not a full eye exam).
Vision standards required
Minimum vision requirements — Category B (car)
Visual acuity: 6/12 in the better eyeYou must be able to read the 6/12 line on a Snellen chart with your better eye. Glasses or contact lenses can be used — but if you need them to meet this standard, you must always wear them when driving.
Visual acuity: 6/40 in the worse eyeYour worse eye must meet at least this standard (or no vision at all is acceptable in some circumstances — contact the NDLS directly if you have vision in only one eye).
Visual fieldYou must have a horizontal visual field of at least 120 degrees. Significant restrictions to peripheral vision may disqualify you.
Double visionIf you have uncorrected double vision (diplopia), you may not meet the standard. Corrected double vision is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Glasses and contact lenses are fully acceptedIf you need glasses or contacts to meet the vision standard, that's completely fine. A restriction code will be added to your licence indicating that corrective lenses are required. You must then always wear them when driving.
What if you don't meet the standard?
If your optician finds that you do not meet the minimum vision standard, they cannot sign the D502. In this case, you cannot be issued a driving licence until your vision is corrected (e.g. with new glasses or contact lenses) or you obtain a medical assessment confirming fitness to drive despite the vision issue.
If you believe your vision has been incorrectly assessed, get a second opinion from another registered optician.
Never drive if you know your vision doesn't meet the standardDriving with uncorrected vision below the legal standard is a serious road safety risk and a criminal offence. If your licence was issued when your vision met the standard but has since deteriorated, stop driving and see an optician immediately.
Cost of the eye test
Opticians typically charge €15–€30 for a D502 only (not a full eye exam). If you book a full eye exam, the D502 is usually included at no extra charge. GP surgeries vary — some charge €30–€50 for completing the D502.
Some opticians (e.g. Specsavers, Vision Express) offer the D502 as a standard service without a full eye exam — worth calling ahead to confirm.
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