[WildBerrySpirit]

So I had my driving lesson today, and as asked by my instructor, I attempted to read the number plate he pointed out to. I got it wrong. He suggested that I move a couple of steps closer to the car and try again, so I did, and again it was incorrect! I just couldn't make out the second half of the letters, it appeared a little blurry/distorted, especially as I got closer. My eyesight is generally great; I had an appointment with the opticians a couple of months ago and everything was fine. It was quite sunny, so maybe this interfered with my vision?

I don't want the same this to occur on the actual day of the test, it's extremely embarrassing. What should I do?!

[SpongebobSquarepan]

see if you can see the registration plate across the road

[UniMastermindBOSS]

May have just been further than 20.5 metres

On your test, the examiner will do the same thing. He will make you read it, and if you can't make you step forward. If you still can't read it, they will measure 20.5m exactly

If the opticians said nothing is wrong, there shouldn't be any problems with that, although you could try measuring 20.5m yourself to give yourself that bit of confidence.

[Ice Constricter]

(Original post by SpongebobSquarepan)
see if you can see the registration plate across the road

I see what you did there

[SpongebobSquarepan]

(Original post by Ice Constricter)
I see what you did there

I bet he can't

[Ice Constricter]

(Original post by SpongebobSquarepan)
I bet he can't

Now that's just low

[nexttime]

I experienced this too. Very confusing. I passed on second try with my instructor, and second try as well in the test.

[SpicyStrawberry]

Maybe the glare from the sun made it difficult to read, or you need another eye test.

[WildBerrySpirit]

(Original post by SpongebobSquarepan)
see if you can see the registration plate across the road

(Original post by UniMastermindBOSS)
May have just been further than 20.5 metres

On your test, the examiner will do the same thing. He will make you read it, and if you can't make you step forward. If you still can't read it, they will measure 20.5m exactly

If the opticians said nothing is wrong, there shouldn't be any problems with that, although you could try measuring 20.5m yourself to give yourself that bit of confidence.

That was my initial thought, untill I realised my instructor could read the number plate just fine, and I clearly couldn't.

I'll probably take another trip to the optician to be absolutely certain. Maybe it was just the glare from the sun or perhaps the heat got to me. I'm uncertain, but I'll probably give your suggestion a try and see if I can read it.

[Advisor]

This is indeed worrying, as the number plate test in good daylight is the legal requirement and the only one considered by test examiners and the police.

Opticians, sorry.. "optometrists".. may well use fancy charts and write fancy certificates declaring your superhuman eyesight, but the fact remains that if you cannot read a regulation number plate from 20 metres in good daylight, you are not legal to drive a car.

If you have eliminated the possibility of sun glare, then you should revisit your optometrist and demand long distance glasses to enable you to meet the legal standard (as conducted outdoors).

[SillyEddy]

Definitely tell the optician the exact problem, and they might be able to sort out a test to evaluate the problem medically.

You might just need some 'driving glasses' to wear on the day and when in the car. Just to improve your long distance sight.

[g12345]

(Original post by WildBerrySpirit)
So I had my driving lesson today, and as asked by my instructor, I attempted to read the number plate he pointed out to. I got it wrong. He suggested that I move a couple of steps closer to the car and try again, so I did, and again it was incorrect! I just couldn't make out the second half of the letters, it appeared a little blurry/distorted, especially as I got closer. My eyesight is generally great; I had an appointment with the opticians a couple of months ago and everything was fine. It was quite sunny, so maybe this interfered with my vision?

I don't want the same this to occur on the actual day of the test, it's extremely embarrassing. What should I do?!

Did he let you continue the lesson?

[Sam Walters]

You need glasses clearly (No pun intended)

[sarahthegemini]

Could it have been the on-set of a migraine? I only ask because, when I have one coming on, my vision in my right eye goes and I can only make out parts of what are in front of me (i.e. if I'm trying to read something, I can only see parts of the letters)

[james1211]

It should be easy, i have fairly bad eyes but i could read them really easily. Maybe you should see an optician.

[WildBerrySpirit]

(Original post by sarahthegemini)
Could it have been the on-set of a migraine? I only ask because, when I have one coming on, my vision in my right eye goes and I can only make out parts of what are in front of me (i.e. if I'm trying to read something, I can only see parts of the letters)

Possibly. I do suffer from chronic headaches and migraines. However, I do think the heat may have been the issue; I usually feel dizzy, tired, and the headaces/migraines come to surface more easily.

I'm seeing an optician tomorrow, so I'll soon hear the correct verdict.

(Original post by g12345)
Did he let you continue the lesson?

Yes. Why?

[sarahthegemini]

(Original post by WildBerrySpirit)
Possibly. I do suffer from chronic headaches and migraines. However, I do think the heat may have been the issue; I usually feel dizzy, tired, and the headaces/migraines come to surface more easily.
I'm seeing an optician tomorrow, so I'll soon hear the correct verdict.

My friend suffers from migraines too, and she once got all the symptoms - blurred vision etc. but without the actual pain! I think that was brought on by the heat too, so that could have been what happened to you. Good luck tomorrow

[WildBerrySpirit]

(Original post by sarahthegemini)
My friend suffers from migraines too, and she once got all the symptoms - blurred vision etc. but without the actual pain! I think that was brought on by the heat too, so that could have been what happened to you. Good luck tomorrow

Yep sounds about right. Blurred vision, aura and dizziness are the main symptoms I experience in the heat. I can't stand this current weather.

Thanks, hopefully it'll all be alright.

[g12345]

(Original post by WildBerrySpirit)

Yes. Why?

I was just wondering. I have mine in a few weeks.

[flown_muse]

Hayfever?