Driving vision standards: quick reference
Core vision criteria for private (Group 1) and commercial (Group 2) licences as applied in Australian optometric practice, aligned to the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive framework. Free reference. No sign-in required.
Decision support only
Source framework
This quick reference is aligned to the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive vision and eye disorders framework. Check the current Austroads source and the relevant state or territory process before completing an assessment.
Acuity and field standards
| Criterion | Private (Group 1) | Commercial (Group 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Binocular visual acuity | 6/12 or better Below 6/12 to 6/24: an optometrist may recommend a conditional licence where the driver is otherwise alert with normal reaction times and good coordination; worse than 6/24 a licence is not issued | 6/9 or better 6/9–6/12: specialist review recommended before conditional assessment |
| Binocular horizontal visual field | ≥ 110° within the specified horizontal band Below 110° does not meet the unconditional criterion; conditional consideration requires authority review | No visual field defect for unconditional licensing Conditional consideration: ≥ 140°, no significant loss likely to impede driving, and static loss |
Other criteria to assess
- Central scotoma: a significant scotoma within the central 20° of the binocular field is typically incompatible with the standard. Confirm against current guidelines.
- Diplopia: diplopia within the central 20° is typically incompatible with the standard. Well-established, stable peripheral diplopia may be acceptable for private driving with specialist confirmation; any persistent diplopia is typically incompatible with commercial standards. Newly acquired or changing diplopia supports advising against driving pending specialist review.
- Monocularity: a monocular driver is never assessed as unconditional for either class. Private: a conditional licence may be considered, subject to 2-yearly review, where the remaining eye is 6/12 or better with or without correction and its horizontal field is at least 110°. Commercial: a conditional licence only where the remaining eye is 6/9 or better, its field at least 140°, and there is no other field loss likely to impede driving. After a sudden loss of one eye, Austroads advises a non-driving period (usually three months) while depth perception re-establishes.
- Review intervals: conditional outcomes generally carry periodic review (commonly 12 months), and the licensing authority sets the final schedule.
Practice notes
- How the visual field is assessed: where nothing suggests a field defect and no progressive eye condition is present, Austroads accepts confrontation as a screen; a suspected defect needs formal perimetry (monocular automated static perimetry as the minimum, which confirms the standard is met when it shows no defect); a significant defect or a progressive condition needs a binocular Esterman. A degree figure exists only from formal perimetry.
- Queensland forms: the medical certificate (F3712) is completed by a doctor. An optometrist’s eyesight input goes on the Driver Health Specialist Assessment Form (F3195) when the GP asks for it; Transport and Main Roads committed in late 2025 to reinstating an eyesight section in that form. The former optometrist/ophthalmologist Part 3 of the old combined form is superseded.
- The licensing authority, not the examining clinician, makes all licence decisions; the clinician reports findings against the standard.
- State and territory requirements differ in reporting obligations and forms; confirm local requirements alongside the national Austroads guidance.
- Borderline results warrant documentation of the exact measured values, the advice given, and any referral made.
OptoGuide™ includes a guided fitness-to-drive assessment that applies these standards to your measured values, flags conditional outcomes and restrictions, and prepares a structured summary.
Also on OptoGuide: the ocular conditions the clinical library covers, each with its recognition picture and evidence base.