Can I drive with one ‘good’ eye in France?

Reader question: I only have one ‘good’ eye but I have always been allowed to drive in the UK. Is it the same in France?

Visual acuity (clarity) is measured in France according to tenths, so 10/10 would be perfect vision and 1/10 would be almost completely blind.

The law states that the combined figure of the two eyes must not be less than 5/10, so if one eye is 1/10 then the other must be at least 5/10.

It is possible, if necessary, to reach the required level by wearing glasses or contact lenses, but if this is the case you must use them while driving.

If you have a French licence, this is shown by a code number 01 on the licence.

If you have an accident and were not wearing glasses if you need them, this can also cause insurance to be invalidated.

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