VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Driving: Eyesight

Asked by Natalie FleetLabourDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 3 February 2026UIN 109643

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of DVLA-mandated eye tests in rural and semi-rural communities.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s contract with Specsavers for vision testing services provide coverage across England, Wales and Scotland, with 436 stores able to perform the services required.

Specsavers is working to increase the number of stores available to carry out eyesight tests by supplying them with the appropriate equipment.

Specsavers may utilise local opticians for customers who live more than 25 miles from their nearest Specsavers branch, for example those living in rural or semi rural areas.

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