Eyesight and medical fitness

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell whether you need an eyesight report or a full medical report.
• You can name the main types of condition that need a medical report.
• You can explain what code 01 on a permit or licence means.
• You can decide when to stop driving and get medical advice.

What you need to know and understand

• The eyesight report is form D502. An optometrist or a doctor can complete it.
• The medical report is form D501 and must be completed by a doctor on the Register of Medical Practitioners in Ireland. If you send one, a separate eyesight report is not needed unless your doctor asks for it.
• You sign the form in front of the optometrist or doctor who completes it.
• The examiner checks both how sharply you see and your field of vision, with glasses or lenses if you need them.
• If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, your permit carries code 01 and you must wear them every time you drive.
• A medical report is required from age 75, and for listed conditions such as epilepsy, insulin-treated diabetes, sleep apnoea, a pacemaker or a serious neurological condition.

Eyesight report or medical report?

Most people applying for a first car permit need only the D502 eyesight report. You need the D501 medical report instead if a listed medical condition applies to you, if you take medication likely to affect your driving, or if you will be 75 or older. The NDLS says its list is not complete, so if you are unsure, ask your GP before you apply.

• Epilepsy, fits or blackouts
• Diabetes treated with insulin or certain tablets
• Stroke, serious head injury or brain surgery
• A pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
• Sleep apnoea or narcolepsy
• Serious mental health conditions or memory problems
• Alcohol or drug dependency
• Loss of sight in one eye or a condition affecting your field of vision

Glasses, lenses and code 01

Needing glasses is not a problem. If you need them to reach the standard, the report says so and code 01 appears on your permit and later your licence. That means you must wear them whenever you drive, including on the driving test. Keep a spare pair in the car if you can.

Colour blindness, short sight and long sight are not on the list of eye conditions that need a full medical report. If you no longer need glasses for driving, for example after eye surgery, you send a new eyesight report to have the 01 code removed.

When your health changes

If a condition develops or gets worse, or a new medicine affects you, stop driving until you have spoken to your doctor. You may need a new medical report, and you must tell the NDLS and your insurer about any long-term condition that may affect your driving. Driving when you know you are unfit is an offence that can bring penalty points on conviction.

Common mistakes

• Bringing a doctor's letter instead of the official form. Only the D502 or D501 is accepted.
• Signing the form at home. You must sign it in front of the optometrist or doctor.
• Forgetting glasses on test day when your permit shows code 01.
• Keeping quiet about a new condition. Talk to your doctor, and tell your insurer about changes that affect your driving.

Test yourself: Eyesight and medical fitness

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Medical and Eyesight Requirements for an Irish Learner Permit