Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the DVLA on the potential merits of accepting eye tests from certified opticians other than Specsavers for frequent license renewals where they are required.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will already consider eyesight tests carried out by opticians other than Specsavers. However, examinations carried out by Specsavers, as the DVLA’s contracted partner, ensure a consistent application of the required eyesight standards.

Eyesight tests with an opticians other than Specsavers are carried out at the individual driver’s expense and the test may not meet the appropriate specifications, meaning that the applicant may still be asked to go for a further examination at Specsavers.