CBR eye test: the driving licence eye examination

When does the CBR ask for an eye examination?

• you are 75 or older and want to renew your licence;
• you reported an eye condition on your Health Declaration, such as glaucoma, cataract, a retinal condition or diabetic retinopathy;
• you have visual field loss, for example after a stroke;
• you see with one eye, or there is a large difference between your eyes;
• the CBR doubts your eyesight for another reason.

Read per eye condition why the CBR asks for an eye examination →

Which vision requirements must you meet?

The CBR tests your eyes against the Dutch fitness regulations (Regeling eisen geschiktheid 2000). The main vision requirements:

Licence AM, A, B, BE and T (group 1)

• Visual acuity: at least 0.5 (50%) with both eyes together, with glasses or contact lenses if needed.
• Visual field: at least 120 degrees horizontally, with at least 50 degrees to the left and right. No defects within 20 degrees of the centre.
• Seeing with one eye: is allowed if that eye meets the requirements. After sudden loss of vision in one eye, an adjustment period of at least three months applies.
• Double vision: disturbing double vision is not allowed.

Licence C and D (group 2)

• Visual acuity: the better eye at least 0.8 and the other eye at least 0.1, corrected if needed. Glasses are allowed up to plus or minus 8 dioptres.
• Visual field: with both eyes at least 160 degrees horizontally, with at least 70 degrees to the left and right. No defects within 30 degrees of the centre.
• Double vision: is not allowed.

Need glasses or lenses to meet the requirements? Then you must always wear them while driving; your licence will show code 01. With an eye condition the CBR may issue your licence for a shorter period. The CBR decides on your fitness to drive; we provide the eye report.

What do we examine?

• visual acuity of both eyes, with and without correction;
• the visual field;
• the eye pressure;
• the front of the eye and the retina, with an OCT scan or fundus photo if needed.

Does the CBR ask for an Esterman binocular visual field test? We carry this out in Nijmegen. Read more about the Esterman visual field test.

How it works

1. First fill in the Health Declaration with the CBR. The CBR tells you which examination is needed.
2. Make an appointment at the location that suits you best.
3. The optometrist carries out the examination. Allow about half an hour; longer with an Esterman visual field test.
4. An ophthalmologist assesses the results and signs the report.
5. We make sure the report is suitable to submit to the CBR.

What should you bring?

• Always your glasses and/or contact lenses, even if you only wear them sometimes or think you do not need them. We measure your vision with and without correction; without glasses the examination cannot be completed.
• Your ID.
• A current medication list.
• The letter or code you received from the CBR.
• Sunglasses.

Please note: you may be given eye drops. If needed we dilate your pupils with eye drops. Your vision is then blurred for a few hours and you are sensitive to light. You may not drive yourself afterwards, so arrange transport and bring sunglasses.