DVLA delays

[Limesbunglaow]

It is now 4 months since I had the glaucoma eye test at Specsavers and I am still waiting to hear from the DVLA. I am continuing to drive despite not having license.

Has anyone else waited this long to hear from them ?

[Simmo101]

Yes! I had to do my eye test when I was 38weeks pregnant my baby is now 12 weeks old it's ridiculous, so slow!

[Broken_Eye]

Pre COVID yes. When you examine the different time frames DVLA give themselves and specsavers it is a system designed to fail. It is some years ago since I last did mine and had to cancel business trips because I had no licence. IIRC Specsavers have a week to send (by email) the results from the shop to Specsavers HQ. DVLA give them 30 days to QC the results (no I have no idea why HQ needs QC checks). Then I seem to recall DVLA giving themselves 90 days to make a decision. IMHO for rechecks the system could be fully automated almost from the field test machine through to renewal. For all other cases the Specsaver time in TOTAL should only be 7 calendar days. There is absolutely no empathy from the people involved in the system to those subjected to these exceedingly distressing tests where they have absolute power over the patient. It is outrageous in the 21st century that DVLA use email between themselves and Specsavers but refuse to accept email from licence holders. [I think you can tell my experience has left a scar and my renewal id Dec this year]

[Oldie42]

Hi there, I have now taken the DVLA fields test on three occasions since I am now 79. The DVLA have employed Specsavers to do the testing over this time. I have had hospital tests for over 30 years and recently with a designated optician for the NHS. The testing done by NHS trained staff has always been exemplary and I have been totally satisfied with the results.

The staff at Specsavers in 2012 didn't have a clue how to set up the test and asked me to do it in a brightly lit room with varifocals!! ( Passed the test!!) 3 years later the test was carried out by a young person who admitted it was her first day and she hoped she had got it right!! (Again I passed the test!) This year I was amazed to find at Plymouth Specsavers that the staff were very professional and very helpful. Time was taken to explain the test in detail and I was given a copy of the results.

My advise to anyone who has to get a DVLA test is to ask not to wear a mask when being tested and to make sure that if you feel unhappy that you make it quite clear that you wish to do the test again. For many driving is a near essential to living.

My Fields Test was carried out in June and because I travel frequently in Europe I spoke to my MP and within a week I now have my licence. For most people the delays should not worry you because you are most definitely allowed to drive in the UK under section 88, unless you know from the hospital NHS tests that you really are having increased difficulty in seeing a full field of vision. Just look straight ahead and see what you can in your side mirrors, without moving your eyes from straight ahead!! Without preaching, if you are worried then consult an optician, your life and others depend on being sensible.

[Monocular]

There are many of us in the same situation. My poorly conducted test was on 19 April 2021. What can we do?

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

This has been an ongoing problem. With the combination of not being able to attend specsavers and then industrial action by the DVLA this has made the backlog much longer than first anticipated. As Oldie42 mentioned who should be able to carry on driving under Section 88. Making you local MP aware seems to be the way forward. Also you can email [e-mail] . They are answering emails but please allow time for replies. I have attached a link to Section 88 for you.assets.publishing.service.g...

[Astilbe]

I have had one DVLA test 2 years ago. The person doing the test told me that I was allowed to take it 3 times and choose the best result if I wanted to. I didn't need to do this as I was satisfied with the first test, the assistant told me the result of it straight away.