Eye Test for Night Driving and Night Blindness
Introduction
Eye test for night driving is the first thing to think about if you find it hard to see after dark, if oncoming headlights dazzle you, or if you are applying for a German driving licence and want to know whether your eyesight is good enough for the road at night. In Germany, the standard driving licence eye test is done in daylight, but night vision matters just as much in real life. Most serious accidents happen in darkness, and poor night vision is one of the reasons why. This guide explains what an eye test for night driving involves, what night blindness really means, which rules apply in Germany, and how you can prepare so that you pass the first time.
Eye test for night driving is not a separate official test with its own certificate in Germany. Instead, it is a combination of the standard Sehtest, which every driving licence applicant must pass, and additional checks that an optician or ophthalmologist can carry out when night vision is in doubt. The standard test measures your visual acuity, which is your sharpness of vision, and your visual field, which is how much you can see to the sides without moving your eyes. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, the test is done with them on. The result is recorded on the official eye test certificate, the Sehtest-Bescheinigung, which you take to the driving licence office.
Many expats are surprised to learn that a person can pass the daytime eye test and still struggle badly at night. Daylight vision and night vision are not the same thing. In bright light, your pupils are small, the image on your retina is sharp, and contrast is high. After dark, your pupils widen, the image becomes less sharp, contrast falls, and any small defect in your eyes becomes much more noticeable. That is why a driver with a borderline result in the eye test can feel perfectly safe during the day and unsafe on a dark country road. An eye test for night driving looks at exactly this gap between day and night performance.
In this article, you will learn how night blindness is defined, which eye conditions cause it, how the German eye test works step by step, what visual acuity value you need for a car licence, what happens if you fail, and which practical steps you can take before the test. You will also find a checklist for the test day, the typical costs, and answers to the questions that expats ask most often about driving at night in Germany. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect and how to protect both your licence and your safety after dark.
What Night Blindness Really Means
Night blindness, known in German as Nachtblindheit, means that your eyes adapt slowly or poorly to darkness. People with night blindness can see reasonably well in daylight, but they need much longer to adjust when the light fades, and they see far less in dim light than other people do. Road signs appear late, the edges of the road blur, and pedestrians in dark clothing become almost invisible. This is not just an inconvenience. At 50 kilometres per hour, a car travels about 14 metres every second, so even a delay of one second in spotting a hazard can make the difference between stopping in time and crashing.
True night blindness is often caused by a shortage of rod cells in the retina or by a disease that affects them. Rod cells are the light-sensitive cells that work in dim light, while cone cells handle colour and detail in bright light. If the rods do not work properly, your eyes cannot collect enough light information after dark. Retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited eye diseases, is the best-known cause. It starts with difficulty seeing at night and can slowly narrow the visual field over many years. Vitamin A deficiency can also cause night blindness, although it is rare in Germany, and it is usually reversible when the deficiency is treated.
More commonly, drivers in Germany struggle at night for other reasons that are not true night blindness but feel very similar. Cataracts, which cloud the lens of the eye, scatter the light from oncoming headlights and create a halo around every lamp. Short-sightedness, or myopia, makes distant objects blurry, and the effect is worse at night when the pupil is wide. Astigmatism distorts the shape of lights so that a round headlight looks stretched or doubled. Dry eyes, a scratched cornea, and an uncorrected prescription can all make night driving harder. An eye test for night driving helps to separate these causes, because each one needs a different solution.
It is also important to understand that night vision gets worse with age, even in healthy eyes. From around the age of 40, the lens becomes less clear, the pupil opens less widely in the dark, and the retina becomes less sensitive. A 60-year-old driver needs roughly three times as much light as a 20-year-old driver to see the same object. That does not mean older drivers cannot drive at night, but it does mean they should have their eyes checked more often, keep their glasses prescription up to date, and think honestly about whether they still feel safe on dark roads. The eye test for night driving is a good moment to have that honest conversation with an optician.
How the Eye Test for Night Driving Works
Eye test for night driving starts in the same way as the standard German driving licence eye test, because that test is the legal basis for your licence. You go to an optician, an ophthalmologist, or a doctor who is authorised to carry out the test, and you bring your identity card or passport. No appointment is needed at most opticians, and the whole test usually takes between ten and twenty minutes. You read letters or numbers from an eye chart, first with one eye covered and then with the other, and then with both eyes together. The chart is placed at a set distance, and the letters get smaller line by line until you can no longer read them correctly.
The result is given as a visual acuity value, called Visus in German. For a car driving licence, class B, you need a visual acuity of at least 0.7 with both eyes together, with or without glasses or contact lenses. That is the central rule for the eye test for night driving as well, because it is the rule for the standard test. If you reach 0.7, you pass and receive your certificate. If you reach only 0.5 or 0.6, the optician cannot issue the certificate, and you will be sent to an ophthalmologist for a more detailed examination, which can lead to a restricted licence, for example a licence that requires you to wear glasses while driving.
The Visual Acuity Test in Detail
During the visual acuity test, the optician checks each eye separately and then both eyes together. This matters, because the two eyes can be very different. One eye might be 1.0, which is excellent, while the other is only 0.3. Together, they might still reach 0.7, because the stronger eye compensates for the weaker one. The test is always done with your normal visual aid, which means your glasses or contact lenses if you use them. If you normally wear glasses, do not take the test without them in the hope of a better result without them. The certificate will state the aid you used, and the driving licence office will add the condition that you must wear it while driving.
The chart used in Germany usually shows Landolt rings, which are circles with a small gap on one side, or letters and numbers. You say where the gap is or which letters you see. The optician will not ask you to guess, and guessing is not a good strategy. If you are unsure, say so, and the optician will move to a larger line. The test is not a competition, and the optician wants an honest result, because a wrong certificate can put you and other road users at risk. If you feel nervous, tell the optician. A few minutes to relax and a glass of water can make a real difference to your result.
The Visual Field Test
The visual field test checks how much you can see without moving your eyes. You look straight ahead at a fixed point, and the optician shows lights or fingers at the edges of your vision. You say when you first notice them. For driving, a wide visual field is essential, because hazards often come from the side: a cyclist entering the road, a pedestrian stepping off the pavement, or a car pulling out of a side street. At night, the visual field effectively shrinks, because the dim edges of your vision collect even less light. An eye test for night driving therefore pays special attention to the visual field, and a narrowed field can be a reason to send you to an ophthalmologist even if your visual acuity is fine.
In Germany, the visual field test for the driving licence eye test is a simple screening test, not the detailed computerised test that an ophthalmologist uses. The screening checks the central 120 degrees of your visual field and the areas to the left and right. If the screening shows a gap or a blind area, the optician must refer you on. The ophthalmologist will then do a full perimetry test, which maps your visual field in detail and shows exactly where the problem is. This is an important safety net, and it is one of the reasons why the German eye test system works well for new drivers.
Night Vision and Glare Testing
There is no single official night vision test in the German driving licence system, but ophthalmologists can test night vision and glare sensitivity when there is a reason to do so. A mesopic test measures your vision in dim light, which is the light level at dusk or on a dimly lit road. A glare test measures how much your vision drops when a bright light shines into your eyes, as an oncoming headlight does. Some opticians also offer a contrast sensitivity test, which measures how well you can distinguish a grey object from a grey background. Low contrast sensitivity is a common reason why older drivers struggle at night, even when their visual acuity looks normal.
If you drive a lot at night, for example because you work shifts or drive long distances, it is worth asking for these additional tests even if you are not applying for a licence. They cost more than the standard test, and they take longer, but they give a much clearer picture of how safe you are after dark. Your ophthalmologist can also check for cataracts and retinal disease, adjust your glasses prescription for night driving, and advise you on anti-glare coatings for your lenses. For many drivers, a new pair of glasses with the right coating is all it takes to turn a stressful night drive into a comfortable one.
Eye Test for Night Driving: The Legal Rules in Germany
The legal basis for the eye test for night driving is the German driving licence regulation, the Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung, and the medical rules in its annex on fitness to drive. The standard eye test is required for every first driving licence application in Germany, for classes A, B, C and D, and it is part of the application documents that you submit to the driving licence office. The test must be carried out by an optician, an ophthalmologist, a doctor at a technical inspection centre, or a doctor who specialises in occupational or traffic medicine. A standard vision test from a GP is not enough, and an eye test from your home country is usually not accepted for a German licence application.
Once you have the certificate, it is valid for two years from the date of the examination, which gives you enough time to complete your driving course and your driving test. If your application takes longer, you will need a new test. The certificate costs between 6.43 and 15 euros at most opticians, and the fee is set by law for the standard test, so there is no reason to pay more. Additional night vision or glare tests are not part of the standard fee, so ask for the price before you book one. Many large optician chains, such as Fielmann and Apollo, do the standard test free of charge or for a few euros, but an ophthalmologist may charge more for a detailed examination.
After you pass, there is no regular re-test for car drivers in Germany, even at a high age, which surprises many expats. Once you hold a car licence, you keep it for life unless you are convicted of a driving offence or a doctor reports a problem. For lorry and bus licences, the rules are stricter, with medical checks every five years after the age of 50. This means that the responsibility for night vision lies mainly with the driver. If you notice that you see worse at night, you should have your eyes checked even if no authority asks you to. Driving with poor night vision and knowing about it can have serious legal consequences if you are involved in an accident.
It is also worth knowing that the driving licence office can ask for an ophthalmological report if there is a medical reason to do so. This can happen after an accident, after a police report, or when you apply for a licence and the standard test shows a problem. The ophthalmologist then writes a report, called a Gutachten, which states whether you are fit to drive and whether any restrictions are needed. Typical restrictions are a requirement to wear glasses, a limit on driving at night, or a limit to driving in daylight only. A night driving restriction is rare, but it is used when a driver is safe during the day and unsafe at night. The eye test for a driving licence on this site explains the standard test in detail, and the eye test at the ophthalmologist page explains what happens at the next stage.
What Happens If You Fail the Eye Test
Failing the eye test for night driving, or the standard eye test behind it, is not the end of your driving plans, but it does mean you cannot yet apply for your licence. The optician will tell you your visual acuity and explain what the problem is. In many cases, the solution is simple: your glasses prescription is out of date, the lens you used was dirty or scratched, or you took the test when your eyes were tired. A new prescription, a clean pair of glasses, or a visit to an ophthalmologist can raise your visual acuity above the 0.7 limit. Do not give up after one failed test, and do not try to cheat the test by memorising the chart. Both approaches are unsafe and, in the case of cheating, can lead to a revoked licence later.
If the problem is more serious, for example a cataract, an eye disease, or a narrowed visual field, the ophthalmologist will treat the cause or help you to manage it. Cataract surgery is common, safe, and very effective, and most people see far better at night after the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. Glaucoma and diabetes-related eye disease need long-term treatment, and your ophthalmologist will tell you how often you need to come back. In some cases, the result is a restricted licence, which is a fair compromise: you can keep driving, usually with glasses or within certain limits, instead of losing your licence completely. Many drivers in Germany drive every day with a restriction on their licence.
You can repeat the eye test at any optician, and there is no compulsory waiting time after a failed test in the eye test rules themselves. The driving licence office does not record failed tests, so a failed test does not go on your record. However, it is sensible to wait until you have fixed the reason for the failure before you try again. If your glasses are wrong, get a new prescription first. If your eyes were dry or tired, rest them and come back another day. If the optician referred you to an ophthalmologist, complete that examination first, because the next optician will ask the same questions and reach the same result.
How to Prepare for the Eye Test for Night Driving
Good preparation starts a few days before the test. Get enough sleep the night before, because tired eyes see worse, especially in dim light. Avoid long hours at a screen on the day of the test if you can, and use artificial tears if your eyes are dry. Bring your current glasses and your contact lenses, and bring the box or prescription for your lenses, so that the optician knows exactly what you use. If you have a previous eye test result or a report from an ophthalmologist, take it with you. Wear clean glasses and clean contact lenses, and leave sunglasses at home, because the test is done without sunglasses.
On the test day, eat normally and drink enough water. If you use eye drops, ask your doctor whether you should use them before the test. Arrive a few minutes early so that your eyes can adjust to the indoor light and your pulse can settle. Tell the optician if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or any eye disease, and mention it if you struggle at night, even if the optician does not ask. That information helps the optician to choose the right tests and to give you honest advice. If you notice a problem during the test, such as a letter you cannot read clearly, say so. The optician can repeat a line or change the lighting.
After the test, think about your night driving habits and whether any changes would help. Clean your windscreen inside and out, because a dirty windscreen scatters the light from oncoming headlights and makes glare much worse. Keep your headlights clean and correctly adjusted, and use dipped headlights in good time at dusk, not only when it is fully dark. Look away from oncoming headlights for a second and towards the right edge of the road instead. This simple technique reduces glare and keeps your night vision intact. If you drive a lot at night, consider glasses with an anti-reflective coating, which cuts reflections and makes headlights less dazzling.
For the official legal text behind the rules in this article, see the German driving licence regulation (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung).
Eye test for night driving is worth doing if you drive after dark. Eye test for night driving checks the visual acuity and visual field that keep you safe. Eye test for night driving can also reveal night blindness early, before it becomes dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special eye test for night driving in Germany?
No. There is no separate official night driving test in Germany. The standard driving licence eye test is the legal test, and night vision is checked by an optician or ophthalmologist only when there is a medical reason to do so. If you drive a lot at night, you can ask for an extra night vision and glare test.
What visual acuity do I need to drive at night in Germany?
You need a visual acuity of at least 0.7 with both eyes together, with or without glasses or contact lenses, for a car driving licence. This is the same limit for day and night driving. The ophthalmologist may set further limits if your night vision is poor.
How much does an eye test for night driving cost?
The standard test costs between 6.43 and 15 euros at an optician, and it is often cheaper or free at large optician chains. An extra night vision, glare, or contrast test at an ophthalmologist costs more, usually between 30 and 80 euros, and is not always covered by health insurance. Ask for the price before the test.
Can night blindness be cured?
It depends on the cause. Night blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency can improve with treatment, and night vision problems caused by cataracts improve a lot after cataract surgery. Retinitis pigmentosa cannot be cured yet, but glasses, better lighting, and driving only in daylight can help. An ophthalmologist can tell you which situation applies to you.
Can I drive at night if I failed the eye test during the day?
No. If you cannot reach a visual acuity of 0.7, you cannot get a driving licence, and you cannot legally drive at all, day or night. Visit an optician or ophthalmologist first, correct the problem, and repeat the test. Once you pass and hold a licence, you may be given a restriction that limits you to daytime driving.
Conclusion
Eye test for night driving is about more than a piece of paper for your licence application. It is a check on whether you can see well enough to drive safely after dark, when the roads are at their most dangerous. The German system starts with a simple daytime eye test, a visual acuity of 0.7, and a visual field check. When night vision is in doubt, an optician or ophthalmologist can add a night vision, glare, and contrast test that shows how you really see in dim light. If you prepare well, sleep properly, and bring your correct glasses, you have the best chance of passing the first time. And if you fail, remember that most causes can be treated, that a new pair of glasses is often enough, and that a restricted licence is far better than no licence at all. Book your eye test, look after your eyes, and drive safely at night in Germany.