If you get caught driving without your glasses, you forgot to put your contact lenses in or your eyesight is generally poor, this is the procedure that the police go though.
The police may conduct sporadic eyesight checks on random drivers or if they suspect your level of driving is not up to standard, they may pull you over for various checks including an eyesight test.
The police conduct the same eyesight test as that of driving examiners on the practical driving test. You’ll be required to read a car number plate from a distance of 20 metres during the hours of daylight. If you fail the eyesight test and the officer suspects that you represent a hazard to other road users, they may contact the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) who in turn will immediately revoke your driving licence. This may incur a fine of up to £1000 along with three penalty points.
You’ll then be required to take an eyesight test and to have your eyesight corrected. If after correction your eyesight meets the minimum legal requirements for driving, you can then apply to the DVLA to have your licence reinstated. If in order to meet the minimum eyesight requirements for driving you were prescribed glasses or contact lenses by your optician, you must legally wear these while driving.
Penalties increase significantly if an accident occurs with the reason being due to defective eyesight. Depending on the seriousness of the incident, it’s possible to be charged with careless or dangerous driving and in serious instances, be sent to prison.