DVLA Visual Field Test

[Spanieldoglover]

Hi, I’ve just got my letter from DVLA asking me to arrange a VFT as expected. However, I’ve only ever had one VFT and this is the first time for DVLA and I am nervous about it. It doesn’t help that it’s at Specsavers who I went to 5 times in 2019 telling them I had a problem with my vision and they didn’t investigate it further or give me VFT then! So my glaucoma and cataracts went undiagnosed until I changed opticians.

Anyway, aside from the rant (sorry) I’ve been given 2 Specsavers to go to … one uses a Henson 5000 and the other a Humphrey 740i to do the tests. I don’t know what was used when I had my other test so just wondered if anyone knew what the differences are?

[muddledme]

Hello Spanieldoglover,

I recently had a DVLA field of vision test at Specsavers using a Henson 5000 machine .

It seemed so much clearer to me , more contrast, and I was told and shown that I had done well........a first for me !( and I have had several )

Specsavers were so pleasant and helpful , probably the only time I have quite enjoyed a F.O.V test.

Still waiting for the verdict from the DVLA but only had the test about 2 weeks ago.

Do hope you have a good experience this time. I have found most Specsavers helpful and the staff do change , so you may be OK this time, good luck.

[Spanieldoglover in reply to muddledme]

Thank you muddledme that’s really helpful to know. It must’ve been reassuring to know they told you it went well, especially since it takes a while to hear back from the DVLA. I hope they do that with me. It’s also good to know that you found the Henson clearer.

I was so nervous on my first eye that I kept pressing because I thought I was missing them, I was better when they did my other eye 😄.

[Eahldt in reply to Spanieldoglover]

I did my test at a local Specsavers at the beginning of July and am still waiting to hear. I chose the Humphrey machine because they use it at my eye clinic so it’s what I was used to. Interesting to hear about the Henson.

[Spanieldoglover in reply to Eahldt]

That’s taking a long time. Hopefully you will hear soon and all is well. I was very surprised to hear from the DVLA so soon as I only notified them last week as I was waiting for my eyes to settle after cataract ops. I did try and find out what machine was used at my eye clinic but they just said either machine is fine so I will probably go to the nearest Specsavers which have the Henson now.

[Astilbe in reply to Spanieldoglover]

I had a DVLA field test 2 years ago. I don't know which machine it was. However, I found the test a lot easier than the field tests I'd been having at the eye clinic. A friend told me that she found the same. At that time I got 100%, although I know my eyesight is worse now,. I was told that you can have 3 tests and choose the best one but my first one was fine.

I am due another one in November next year.

[Spanieldoglover in reply to Astilbe]

I’m glad it’s easier. I don’t think I’m alone in finding the whole thing really stressful. It’s just the fear of hearing bad news. I hope everything goes well for you next year.

[muddledme in reply to Spanieldoglover]

At Specsavers they told me that the DVLA had caught up a bit and results were returning within about 6 weeks. I returned the initial DVLA form in July.

[Hidden in reply to Eahldt]

I did my Esterman Binocular VF test on 29 July and my licence was revoked on 13 November. Wish I had noticed the type of machine. All I remember was the heat of the walk - in cupboard and the clicker did not have a positive click. Once my disabled bus pass is issued I will try a different Specsavers in my attempt to appeal against DVLA decision.

[Spanieldoglover in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear your licence was revoked. I’ve been told by others that we need to say if things aren’t right and we can pause if there’s a problem, but I understand that can be easier said than done. Hopefully you can visit another Specsavers to see the conditions before you book. Good luck with your appeal.

[mrk1E in reply to Spanieldoglover]

i had dvla eye test had it revoked had to pay£50 for one then was told was not good so had to have one more.then was told tat one was not good because thay only sent one letter off to dvla.had one more then was told thay wanted one more joke but was lucky i passed that thank good.just keep at it your be ok.got one in 2 nd august wish me luck .😀

[EHazel in reply to mrk1E]

Hi mrk1E! So the DVLA eye test cost £50? Or applying for the license cost £50? Trying to work out how much the DVLA eye test costs

[Lindfieldtommy]

Hi, I had my DVLA test as recently as last month and like you was given a choice of two different venues and two different machines which confused me and in the end I decided to go to the Specsavers I had visited for my previous one three and a half years earlier. This was purely on the basis that just being familiar with the town and the parking I was going to, the area in the shop where I would be doing the test and to a certain extent what to expect from my previous visit would be one less worry for me. I have to say I was treated very well and I found being able to use both eyes at the same time made the whole process so much easier than the field tests we have to do at the hospital. I was also fortunate enough to hear about sixteen days later that I had passed and I wish you the same success.

[Spanieldoglover in reply to Lindfieldtommy]

Thank you Lindfieldtommy. Is that the case with all DVLA field tests that you use both eyes at the same time?

Just a bit concerned about that as I have slight double vision so need prism glasses for driving and I’m not sure how that would work. I might phone specsavers and ask.

[Lindfieldtommy]

Oh I am sorry I didn’t mean to alarm you, if it helps I also have slight double vision and did not notice that it made any difference to me, but it may be advisable to speak with Specsavers to put your mind at rest. I was told before I started that I would be doing three tests, two with my glasses on and one without, this is apparently for people who have rimmed glasses which might obscure their vision.

[Spanieldoglover in reply to Lindfieldtommy]

That’s fine, you didn’t alarm me it’s good to know what to expect, thank you. Let’s hope one out of the three will be okay 😊

[Hidden]

Hi, I had my DVLA sight test 5 week ago. I went to Specsavers and although I was very nervous it went fine.The tests we do in the hospitals show us three intensities of light 10,20 and 30DB. The DVLA test only shows the 10DB strength ,which is the brightest. They are not interested in the sensitivity of our eyes, just that we have some sight.

I'ts worth checking the operator has set the machine up correctly. When my operator started to tell me I would see light of different intensity ,I corrected him and said I should only be seeing the 10DB ones. He quickly stopped the test and reset the machine. The operator is not allowed to discuss the results with you but you can ask for a copy of your test results. I have copies of all three tests I took on that day. You can then work out how well you did by yourself.

Good luck with your test.

[Spanieldoglover in reply to Hidden]

That’s really good to know thank you. Also would be good to have a copy of the results because at least then I’ve got something to compare with future tests. Relief to know we get three goes too 😊

[alphanov in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Late joining this conversation. I had my DVLA Group 1 eye-test in Oct 2024. Specsavers originally gave me 4 locations to choose from, all 130+ miles from my home. I rang the Specsavers contact centre and they located one in my hometown!

I'm not sure what machine I did mine on but the intensity of the light varied during the test exactly the same as the regular field test. I scored 112 out of 120 points on the first go and 108 out of 120 the next two times. I haven't heard anything from the DVLA yet but I understand that this is normal.

I'm expecting to have 'failed' the test and have my licence revoked (although it expired when I turned 70). My plan, in this instance, is to request a 'subject access' for every piece of correspondence regarding me and then to visit an independent optician to have the Group 1 test carried out as it should have been done. I will then appeal the DVLA decision.

BTW I have glaucoma in my left eye with better than driving eyesight in my right eye.

[Lindfieldtommy]

Good luck and be positive, if it helps at all I found the stress and worry beforehand much worse than the test itself.

[Spanieldoglover in reply to Lindfieldtommy]

Thank you all the comments have been really helpful and I’m so pleased you told me about using both eyes as now I know I’m going to contact the DVLA to explain I need a little extra time. They want me to have the test within 28 days but my optician appointment isn’t until 17th Nov (couldn’t get an earlier one) and they say glasses can take up to 2 weeks to arrive. I have to have a new prescription after my cataract ops. So without all your comments I would not have been properly prepared so thank you everybody.

[mrk1E]

i had humphery 750i last one i had and did not pass it so now im not driving but its best to be safe then sorry if i hit someone ,i have a freedom pass now from my council .was told i could apply for one.good luck and hope all is ok