Before you sit on a bike, your instructor will check your eyesight. It's a legal requirement for every rider and driver, and it's the first thing we do on the day.
What the check involves
You'll be asked to read a vehicle number plate from 20.5 metres, which is roughly five car lengths. The plate will be a modern style, made after 1 September 2001.
Glasses and contact lenses
If you need glasses or contact lenses to read the plate, that's fine. Wear them for the check, and you must wear them every time you ride from then on.
Check that your glasses fit comfortably under a full-face helmet. Thin, flexible frames work best. If you wear contacts, bring a spare pair and some solution.
What if I can't read it?
If you can't read the plate at 20.5 metres, we can't legally continue with your training, and under our terms the course fee isn't refunded. You'll need to get your eyes tested and corrected before rebooking.
Check before you book
The simplest thing to do is test yourself. Measure 20.5 metres on a quiet street (about 27 normal paces for most adults) and try reading a parked car's plate in daylight. If you struggle, visit an optician before your course.
Beyond the test
Good eyesight matters more on a bike than in a car. You're scanning further ahead for hazards, reading road surfaces and spotting vehicles pulling out. If you notice your vision changing, get it checked. By law you must tell the DVLA about certain eye conditions, and GOV.UK lists which ones.