Reading a number plate - self test

[tlf67482]

A few hints (some probably already mentioned):

1. There is some debate but stand five car lengths away from a parked car (some say four car lengths but I am sure I read somewhere they suggested five car lengths)

2. Open Google Maps and right click and select Measure Distance. Find somewhere where cars come to a stop (at a junction or traffic lights) and measure 20m from this point. Zoom in and have a reasonable idea where to stand to be 20m away - some locations will not be safe but it shouldn't take long to find somewhere where you can stand on the pavement and be 20m away from a never ending stream of random standing cars.

3. Not sure on this one but I believe the car should be stopped and there should be good visibility.

4. If you are doing a measurement obviously make sure you test cars that are coming toward you otherwise it is cheating

5. When you go for an eye test they should be able to tell you whether you meet the minimum requirements for driving with / without glasses.

[UncleEbenezer]

3. Not sure on this one but I believe the car should be stopped and there should be good visibility.

Doesn't the driving test take whatever the visibility is on the day - so random (though seasonal) for the individual?

4. If you are doing a measurement obviously make sure you test cars that are coming toward you otherwise it is cheating

If they're moving, you're never going to be able to judge the moment. The traffic lights idea could work well if you have a clear line of sight.

5. When you go for an eye test they should be able to tell you whether you meet the minimum requirements for driving with / without glasses.

In principle, they could tell you a whole lot more than a simple-minded test about whether your eyesight is up to the job. But that would need the right legal framework, both to specify what's tested and to deal with things like liability. Perhaps every driving licence should be made contingent on an eyesight test, as evidenced by an optician's certificate issued (say) not more than ten years ago - and maybe reduce the time interval once you qualify for the bus pass?

[bungeejumper]

Perhaps every driving licence should be made contingent on an eyesight test, as evidenced by an optician's certificate issued (say) not more than ten years ago - and maybe reduce the time interval once you qualify for the bus pass?

If you can't read the number on the bus, your problems are only just beginning. Who knows where you'll end up?

BJ

[gnawsome]

I was just reading that Cleveland Police Matrix Team will start voluntary random roadside vision screening.

Drivers will need to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres (as per the law).

The standard height for characters on a number plate is 79mm.

So my question is: if someone wanted to check their eyesight at home and couldn't find a clear distance of 20metres+ to put up a test piece, would checking a character of 40mm height from 10 metres be as accurate or is there a formula that allows for the height/distance ratio to be calculated?

This is not personal, my optician says I exceed the standard required based on a Snellen chart test. I also realise the easiest way to check is to walk down the street and measure 20 metres but I'm more interested in the ratio question.

My self test at 87yo is, when walking in my neighbourhood where there are many parked cars and I just focus on the futhrtherest away vehicle that I can read and count the kerb stones til I'm level - kerb stones are 1yd or 915mm so about 22 kerbs. Doesn't need to be highly scientific