Sight Test
Sight is a very important aspect of driving. Unexpected obstacles are part of every roadway, so it's important that seniors know that they can still see these things.
Our sight test comes from the United Kingdom's government requirements. All drivers there must be able to correctly identify the letters and numbers that make up an English license plate.
To start the test:
How did they do? Just remember, if they didn't correctly identify all letters and numbers shown to them, they wouldn't be allowed to drive in the U.K.
Our sight test comes from the United Kingdom's government requirements. All drivers there must be able to correctly identify the letters and numbers that make up an English license plate.
To start the test:
- Download and print the test sheets here. Make sure that the person getting tested doesn't see the sheets yet!
- Measure out 20 meters (or about 22 yards). Try to find an outdoor space to use, such as a sidewalk or backyard.
- When both people are the correct distance away from each other, hold up one of the test sheets. Have the person being tested either write down or shout out their answers. Repeat for the other two test sheets.
How did they do? Just remember, if they didn't correctly identify all letters and numbers shown to them, they wouldn't be allowed to drive in the U.K.
To test peripheral vision:
If they can easily tell you what the objects are (or at least some identifying characteristics) they are safe to keep driving. If they are struggling, it is likely that they don't meet the Minnesota eyesight standards (105 degrees of peripheral vision) and should be tested by an optometrist.
- Download and print the test sheet here.
- Have the person being tested sit on a chair positioned in the middle of the square, face straight ahead, and close their eyes.
- Find two random objects. Place them so that they would be on the two lines, if the lines were extended further.
- Tell the person being tested to open their eyes, but keep looking straight ahead.
If they can easily tell you what the objects are (or at least some identifying characteristics) they are safe to keep driving. If they are struggling, it is likely that they don't meet the Minnesota eyesight standards (105 degrees of peripheral vision) and should be tested by an optometrist.