Eye Test with Glasses: What You Need to Know

If you wear glasses, the driving licence eye test is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, most people who take the test with glasses pass it without any problem, because the test measures your vision with your visual aid, not without it. What matters is that your glasses are up to date, that you bring them with you, and that you know what happens to your licence if the result depends on them. This article answers the most important questions about the eye test with glasses: what counts, what the code number 01 means, and how to make sure you pass on the first try.

The eye test with glasses is the standard situation for millions of drivers in Germany. A large share of the population wears glasses, and the driving licence system is built around that fact. The examiner will not penalise you for wearing glasses, and the certificate you receive is exactly the same as the one a person without glasses receives, with one difference: it notes that a visual aid is required. Read on to find out what that means in practice.

Always take the test with your glasses

The most important rule is simple: if you normally wear glasses, take the test with them on. The visual acuity requirement of 0.7 for a Class B licence applies to your corrected vision, which means your vision with your glasses. Without them, many people would fail, and that would be a meaningless result, because in real life you would never drive without your glasses either. The optician will ask you at the beginning whether you wear glasses, and the whole test is then carried out with them in place.

Make sure that your glasses are clean and in good condition on the day of the test. Smudged lenses, a scratched lens or a bent frame can make the eye chart harder to read, and that can cost you a row on the test. Clean the lenses carefully before you leave home, and check that the frame sits correctly on your nose and ears. Small details like this are easy to overlook, but they can make a real difference to your result.

What code number 01 in your licence means

If you need glasses or contact lenses to reach the required visual acuity, the driving licence authority enters the code number 01 in your licence. This code means that you are only allowed to drive with a visual aid. It is a standard entry that millions of German drivers have in their licences, and it has no other consequences. It does not affect your insurance, it does not limit the classes you can get, and it does not mean that your eyesight is bad.

The code is there for your safety and for the safety of other road users. If you are stopped by the police without your glasses, you can be fined, because you are then driving without meeting the condition of your licence. So always keep your glasses in the car, and if you wear contact lenses, keep a spare pair of glasses in the car as well. That way you are safe even if a lens is lost or your eyes get irritated on a long journey.

What if your glasses are too old

One of the most common reasons for a failed eye test is an outdated prescription. Vision changes slowly over the years, and a pair of glasses that was perfect five years ago may no longer be strong enough to reach 0.7 today. If you have not had your eyes checked for a long time, it is worth booking a quick eye check before the official test. Many opticians do this check for free or for a small fee, and it only takes a few minutes.

If the check shows that you need a stronger prescription, you can have new glasses made straight away. Most opticians can produce simple glasses within a few days, and some offer a same day service. That is far better than failing the official test and having to come back a second time. For more details about where to take the test, read our guide to the eye test at the optician.

Glasses or contact lenses: which is better for the test

Both glasses and contact lenses are accepted for the eye test, and neither is better in the eyes of the examiner. What matters is which one gives you the sharper vision. Some people see slightly better with contact lenses, because the lens sits directly on the eye and gives a wider field of view. Others prefer glasses because they are easier to handle on the day and do not dry out.

If you normally wear both, take the test with the option that feels most comfortable and gives you the clearest vision. Contact lens wearers should bring their lens case and a pair of glasses to the test as a backup, in case a lens slips or your eyes get dry. Whichever you choose, the examiner will note the result on the certificate, and the code number 01 applies to both glasses and contact lenses in the same way.

Getting a new prescription before the test

If you think you might need new glasses, the best order is: eye check first, new glasses second, official eye test third. An optician can measure your current vision and tell you exactly which strength you need, and most shops have a range of frames in every price class. You do not need an expensive designer frame to pass the test. What counts is the strength of the lenses, not the brand on the frame.

Health insurance in Germany usually pays a fixed contribution towards glasses for children and for people with very poor vision, but for most adults the cost of glasses is a private matter. Simple complete glasses are available from around 50 euros, while more complex lenses and coatings cost more. If you are short on time or money, ask the optician for the fastest and simplest option that will get you through the test safely.

What if you pass only with glasses

Passing only with glasses is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It simply means that your natural vision is below the required limit, but your corrected vision meets it. In that case, the code number 01 is entered in your licence, and you must always drive with your visual aid. The certificate itself is the same as any other, and it is valid for two years, just like the certificate of a person who passes without glasses.

There is one thing to keep in mind: your glasses are now part of your driving equipment, just like your seatbelt. Check them regularly, and have your eyes tested again every year or two, because your vision can change. If your new glasses turn out to be stronger than your old ones, your driving will feel easier and safer, especially at night and in bad weather.

Buying glasses before the test: is it worth it

Buying new glasses just for the eye test is only worth it if you actually need them, but it is often a good investment anyway. Good vision makes you a safer driver, and the difference between an old prescription and a correct one can be surprising. If you have been squinting at road signs or struggling to read number plates, new glasses will improve your everyday life, not just your test result. For an overview of the costs involved, see our guide to eye test costs, which also explains what glasses cost at the optician.

One practical tip: if you know that you need new glasses, order them at least a week before your planned test date, so that there is enough time for the lenses to be made and for you to get used to them. A brand new pair of glasses can feel strange for a day or two, and it is better to get used to them before the test than to take the test on the very first day you wear them.

Why your glasses prescription must be up to date

The eye test is done with the glasses that you normally wear for driving, and if the prescription is old, your visual acuity in the test will be lower than it could be. Lenses change slowly over the years, and a prescription that was right two years ago may be too weak today. If you have not had your eyes checked for more than two years, it is worth visiting the optician for a new refraction before the official test, because a new pair of glasses can make the difference between passing and failing. The optician can measure your current values and tell you whether your glasses still match your eyes, and this check is often free or very cheap.

A second reason to check your glasses is comfort. Glasses that are scratched, bent, or too loose can slide down your nose during the test and change the position of the lenses in front of your eyes, which makes the image less sharp. Clean the lenses before the test and make sure the frame sits firmly, so that you look through the centre of the lenses. If you have varifocals, take a moment to find the right part of the lens for the distance to the chart, because the reading part of the lens is not the right one for the eye chart. A well fitting pair of glasses with a current prescription gives you the best chance of a clear result.

Your checklist for the eye test with glasses

Taking the eye test with glasses is simple, but the result depends on the condition of your glasses and on your prescription. This checklist helps you prepare, so that you do not fail the test for a reason that could have been avoided. It covers your prescription, the condition of your glasses, and the day of the test itself.

• Check that your prescription is not older than two years, and get a new eye check if your last one was some time ago.
• Wear the glasses that you normally use for driving, not an old pair that you keep as a spare.
• Clean your glasses before the test, and check that the lenses are not scratched, cracked, or loose in the frame.
• Make sure that the frame fits well and does not slip down your nose when you look at the eye chart.
• Bring the prescription from your last eye check, in case the optician wants to compare it with the test result.
• If you have a new pair of glasses, wear them for at least a few days before the test, so that your eyes adjust.
• Bring a case and a cleaning cloth, so that you can protect your glasses on the way to and from the optician.
• If you also wear contact lenses, decide in advance which visual aid you will use for the test, and bring the other one as a backup.
• Tell the optician before the test that you wear glasses, so that the result is recorded correctly for your driving licence.
• Check that the code number 01 will be entered on your driving licence if you need glasses for driving.
• After the test, keep your glasses in good condition, because you will need them every time you drive.
• If your glasses are damaged on the day of the test, tell the optician at once, because a broken frame can affect the result.

Conclusion

Taking the eye test with glasses is normal, easy and completely accepted. The test measures your vision with your glasses on, and the requirement of 0.7 applies to your corrected vision. If your glasses are up to date and in good condition, you have very little to worry about. The only formal consequence is the code number 01 in your licence, which simply says that you drive with a visual aid. The best preparation is a quick eye check before the test, so that you know your prescription is right, and a clean, well fitting pair of glasses on the day.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to wear glasses for the eye test?

If you normally wear glasses, yes. The test is carried out with the visual aid you use for driving, and the corrected vision is what counts towards the 0.7 requirement.

What does code number 01 mean?

It means that you are only allowed to drive with a visual aid, which can be glasses or contact lenses. Millions of drivers in Germany have this entry in their licence.

Can I fail the eye test because of old glasses?

Yes, if your prescription is out of date and your corrected vision no longer reaches 0.7. A quick eye check before the test can prevent this.

Are contact lenses also accepted?

Yes. Contact lenses are accepted in the same way as glasses, and the code number 01 applies to lenses as well.

Do I need expensive glasses to pass the test?

No. The strength of the lenses is what matters, not the price of the frame. Simple complete glasses are enough.

How long is the certificate valid?

The certificate is valid for two years, whether you pass with or without glasses.

Do I have to buy new glasses before the eye test?

No, you do not have to buy new glasses before the test. You only need new glasses if your current ones no longer give you a visual acuity of 0.7 or better. The optician can measure your eyes and tell you whether your prescription is still correct. If it is, you can take the test with your old glasses. If it is not, a new pair of glasses is worth the investment before the official test.

Can I take the eye test with reading glasses?

No, reading glasses are not the right correction for the eye test, because they are made for close distances and the eye chart is several metres away. You need glasses that correct your distance vision. If you only own reading glasses, ask the optician for a distance check before the test. A simple pair of single vision glasses for distance is enough for the test.