Why a Driving License May Have a "Glasses" Mark
The mark indicating the need to use vision correction devices in a driving license is not a recommendation, but a mandatory requirement based on the results of a medical examination. It records the conditions under which a driver is allowed to safely operate a vehicle and is part of the road safety system.
Medical grounds for the mark
When a medical exam determines that a driver has reduced visual acuity and needs optical correction for safe driving (glasses or contact lenses), this information is recorded in the medical certificate. Then, when issuing or exchanging a driving license, the correction-device note may be transferred into the document itself in a special field—“Restrictions” or “Special notes”. In other words, the “glasses” mark is not just advice; it is an official medical restriction.
The restriction coding system
Officially, this requirement is encoded in the “01” group. For example: 01.01 — “glasses”, 01.02 — “contact lenses”, 01.06 — “glasses or contact lenses”. There are other subcodes for cases where an eye patch or other correction aids are required. If your license shows code 01.01, it means you are allowed to drive only while wearing glasses (or another correction device specified in the license).
When and how the mark appears
The mark is added based on an official-format medical certificate. This happens in several situations: when you obtain a license for the first time, when you exchange it (for example, due to a name change, loss, or expiration), when you open a new category, or when you restore driving privileges after revocation. If the medical certificate indicates a need for vision correction, the relevant “01” code (with details) is entered into the “Restrictions” or “Special notes” field of the license.
It is important to understand that the mark applies regardless of whether you happen to have glasses or lenses with you at a given moment. If your documents require mandatory use of correction devices, this must be respected every time you drive.
Consequences of ignoring the mark
If your license requires you to use vision correction devices while driving and you do not comply, this is a violation of the conditions for being allowed to operate a vehicle. The “glasses” mark is not a formality or a recommendation—it is a real safety requirement. That is why, when stopped by police or during document checks, it is important to have your glasses or lenses with you if your license specifies them.
What to do if your vision improves or you have surgery
If, after for example laser vision correction, you no longer need glasses or contact lenses, you can visit a medical facility, undergo an exam, and obtain a new certificate showing that correction is not required. Based on that certificate, you can exchange your driving license and receive a new document without the “01” code. However, until you actually update the license—even if your vision has improved—the old mark remains valid, and the obligation to use glasses or lenses while driving does not disappear.
Integration with the driver candidate cycle
Medical requirements fit naturally into the overall candidate cycle (more about the cycle): before registering for the theory exam (registration procedure) you must pass a medical exam and obtain a certificate. This is the stage where restrictions—including vision correction—are determined. It should be taken into account both during theory preparation (theory preparation) and practical training (practice structure).
Working with service centers
Adding or removing the mark is handled through territorial MIA service centers (TSC navigation). For convenience, you can use electronic appointment booking (e-appointment), which helps plan a visit without queues and prepare the required documents in advance.
Why it matters—not only formally, but for safety
Such restrictions are part of the road safety system. Codes like “01.01” clearly record who needs a correction device to drive safely. This is not just bureaucracy: ignoring these rules can create real danger—for the driver and for other road users. That is why it is important to treat such marks seriously and responsibly.
Road safety is closely connected to international practices (best global practices) and the gradual integration of Ukrainian standards with European ones (changes in the licensing system).
Conclusion
The vision-correction mark is an important part of the system that allows a person to operate a vehicle. It is based on objective medical indicators and aims to ensure safety for all road users. Complying with this requirement is not a formality, but a driver's conscious responsibility.
Disclaimer
This material is informational. For current requirements regarding medical restrictions and license exchange procedures, refer to official sources and applicable law.
