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 6/12–6/18: conditional licence may be considered with review | 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: monocular drivers do not meet the commercial standard. For private licences, a conditional licence may be considered where the functional eye meets the 6/12 standard with satisfactory adaptation. Consider a formal adaptation assessment and annual review.
- Review intervals: conditional outcomes generally carry periodic review (commonly 12 months), and the licensing authority sets the final schedule.
Practice notes
- Queensland form change: the current F3712-A (November 2025) requires Part 2 to be completed by a doctor. An optometrist supplies a focused vision report to the GP; the current form no longer has the former optometrist/ophthalmologist Part 3 signature section.
- 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.