What is an MOT - an eye test for fitness to drive
An eye TO is a specialized exam that tests your eyesight and makes sure you meet your driving requirements. Good eyesight is crucial to your safety on the road, as undetected vision problems can lead to dangerous situations.
Driving requires not only sharp distance vision, but also good peripheral vision, accurate color recognition and above all good contrast vision, especially in difficult lighting conditions.
A regular MOT eye examination will help to check your visual abilities and ensure that you can continue to safely participate in road traffic.
Our MOT eye test for fitness to drive includes
- Visual acuity check (visual acuity test) We measure your visual acuity near and far to make sure you are able to clearly recognize signs, road users and obstacles – both during the day and in low light conditions.
- Peripheral vision check (visual field test) Peripheral vision is important for recognizing hazards near and behind your vehicle. We check your field of vision to make sure you don’t miss any important visual information.
- Contrast vision Good contrast vision is important for clearly recognizing road signs and obstacles, especially at dusk, fog or in low light. We check how well you distinguish high-contrast objects, which is especially important when driving at night or in poor visibility conditions.
- Measuring intraocular pressure Elevated intraocular pressure can indicate glaucoma, which can damage your vision. Because this condition may be symptom-free in its early stages, it is important to have your intraocular pressure checked regularly.
- Color Perception Test To drive safely on the road, you need to be able to correctly recognize road signs, traffic lights, and other color-coded objects. We test your ability to distinguish colors to make sure you don’t miss any important road signs or signals.
When do I need a vision test to get a driver’s license?
- To renew your driver’s license: If you are over 50 years old, an eye test may be required to renew your driver’s license, especially if you drive certain classes of vehicles (e.g., trucks, buses).
- For professional drivers: in professions that require a high degree of responsibility for traffic (e.g., truck or bus drivers), vision screening is often required by law.
- If you have concerns about your eyesight: If you have difficulty recognizing signs or driving in low-light conditions, you should have an eye exam.
- If you have symptoms such as blurred vision or night vision problems: If you have problems driving in the dark or at dusk, it is especially important to have your vision checked.
When does the Health Insurance Fund cover a driving test?
As a rule, the health insurance does not cover the cost of a sight test as part of the driving test. This is an IGEL service (individualized medical service). Some specific examinations, such as intraocular pressure measurement or OCT examinations for early detection of glaucoma, may be covered by the health insurance under certain circumstances if medically necessary.
Our IGEL service: Driving fitness eye tests
Since eye examinations for driving fitness are not usually covered by compulsory health insurance, we offer this examination as an IGEL service. With an accurate eye examination, we will make sure that you meet all the requirements needed to safely participate in road traffic.
Frequency of eye examinations for driving fitness
- From the age of 50: It is recommended to have regular eye tests every 2 years to check your eyesight.
- For professional drivers: depending on legal regulations and your profession, you should have regular eye exams.
- If you have vision problems: If you have problems such as blurred vision, problems with night vision or difficulty recognizing road signs, you should have an eye test immediately.
Make sure you are fit to drive by having regular eye exams. Make an appointment today and keep yourself safe on the road.
