Driving Question

[John Smith]

Thanks Susan, you've hit the nail on the head there.

Although the DVLA agree that a VA of 6/12 approximates to the correct vision, the actual, legal, test is to read a numberplate under real, rather than ideal conditions.

[jayuk]

Interesting; therefore...the snelling chart that KC eyes get measured against surely isnt fair?..

I am certain that those with general astigmatism dont have the same issue?......ie if they see 6/10 etc on the board they pretty much get the Number Plate?...maybe some of the opticians on the board can help?

Hmmm! interesting points; both of you.......as my vision has pretty much been on par with the chart...if I see the 4th and 5th Line...I can see the number plate.....I tell ya!

J

[GarethB]

Did a little test this morning and I can see the letters on a rear number plate easier than the front.

I wonder if the colour contrast maeks a difference.

Susan, was the number plate from the sadly departed Allegro the front or the back?

[Michael P]

Thanks for all the interesting responses.

I've been using the site's( thanks John) snellen chart in the kitchen as a guide but I think I will now place a spare set of reg plates in the garden as a back up. Good idea Susan, why didn't I think of that!

[Andrew MacLean]

Yes, it makes perfect sense. That\s why Gareth was at such pains to say that the 6/12 qualification is only a guide. The optometrist's chair is nor a 'real world' situation.

I have 6/9 vision (corrected). I can see number plates at well over 20 metres (I really used to like yards .. does amnybody know what a metre is in ole money?).

Andrew

[GarethB]

1 metre is 39.37 inches of 3 feet 3 inches and 4/10ths as near as makes no differnece.

Grew up post decimalisation, but working is base 12 was a major part of my education.

Pounds; shillings & pence still out of my league.

Cook using pounds and ounces, work is all in grams.

Driving is still miles per hour and miles per gallon.

We are a very confused nation

[Andrew MacLean]

Chidren at school today learn decimal for allmeasurements, but distances are measured in miles and speed expressed in miles per hour.

The confusion goes on .. and on ..



Andrew

[jayuk]

Gareth

Contrast def does make a difference in seeing colours and the number plate....when I was tested for driving I was told to look at the number plate equivalent on the board and could see the number plate at the required distance but could not see another test which required me to name the colours and also the amount of dots on the board....and both were on varied backgrounds......

J

[Andrew MacLean]

I can't do colours; not because I am unable to see number plates at the right distance but because I am red/green blind.

Blue/yellow offers me no challenge

Andrew

[tom needham]

I have found that even with lenses in the 'starburst' effect of my eyes makes night driving almost imposible.

As for during the day, the fact that i have had to learn to drive with KC has made me more aware of other road users, maybe more than drivers without KC.