Visual field requirements for driving across various jurisdictions and their rationale.

Abstract

An intact visual field is essential for safe driving and therefore is a requirement for driving in many jurisdictions. There is significant variation in the standards applied. Using an online search, guidelines and policy statements were obtained regarding driving vision standards from jurisdictions who used English as an official language and included visual field requirements. Scientific research cited in these documents was reviewed. The evidence base for vision standards was heterogenous with visual field requirements for the horizontal meridian, the vertical meridian and fixation varying markedly between jurisdictions. Research influencing driving guidelines was unable to provide specific recommendations and relied on different forms of visual field assessment and characterisation. The final visual standards chosen by any one jurisdiction are often of unclear origin. Alternative methods of visual field assessment that better recreates the driving experience may help transport authorities reach a consensus. Additionally more jurisdictions may be able to use visual fields as a barrier to operating a motor vehicle if visual field assessment became more accessible.