Has anyone gone through this process before and be sucessfu?.After the spacer saver i went to was not helpful The space saver sumbitted the 3 result instead of the best result where i had 115/120 they also send the ones with 112/120.Dvla send me result saying " Do not drive".(1) Go to two independent optician and do another visual test and a medical paper to my doctor .Then after the two test,Dvla said they will send me to there own space saver for another test and then they will give their final decision.Is this a way of saying No or will there be a positive answer after this?I need support and suggestions because i am completely hopeless.Thanks for your advice and support.
Written by
Christian636
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi Christian636. This is not the DVLA's way of saying no exactly, but instead giving you another opportunity, to see if there is any difference in the visual field tests. Whether the answer will be a positive one or not, depends on the results. If they find that the missed points you had previously are the same and are a failure they will have no choice to revoke your licence. People have done the same as you and have passed, so do continue with it.
You know you can do this as you got 115/120 on one test, so don’t panic. (Not easy, I know). I have now done the DVLA eye test three times (in 2017, 2020 and just a few weeks ago), so I know how worrying it is. One thing I find helps me is that I co-ordinate blinking with clicking the mouse. That way, I think I am less likely to miss a dot. And you have to blink, of course. You could practise doing that with a computer (if you have got one, if you haven’t, you can usually find them in public libraries). Best of luck!
I had a bad experience with Specsavers who did exactly to me what they did to you. I was devastated when I lost my licence but appealed. I couldn’t get an independent test as opticians have let their eq
I couldn’t go to an independent optician go as Specsavers have the sole contract with DVLA. They no longer had the equipment .
After ringing round I found a Specsavers I was happy with. A quiet room, a quiet afternoon appointment gave a better result which the DVLA accepted.
However- my experience wasn’t as good as this reply to you makes it sound. The DVLA took so long, didn’t respond to e mails and I ended up involving my MP which speeded them up. At this point I needed an answer yes or no. I was paying for a car I couldn’t drive.
I have since advised many to contact their MP as I believe the system is flawed. It is not standardised as is the reason the DVLA give for giving Specsavers the contract- I used 2 very different machines which I know contributed to my failing the first test.
I believe questions need to be asked in parliament. A solicitor I contacted, wished me luck with my appeal. For on her words’ the DVLA are a law unto themselves’.
I will simply tell you not to give up without a fight.
Agree totally with you. There should be an Enquiry. You are lucky to have a helpful MP ! They are trying to get cars off the road - we are easy meat! I sent a challenge in and am still waiting...will be a year in July!
My own experience with initial testing by Specsavers resulted in DVLA cancelling my licence I September 2021. After reading on line posts and DVLA website they will only accept tests by Specsavers. However there is nothing to stop you booking a private DVLA test with them at a cost of £25, and if successful submit it to them yourself. If unsuccessful don’t but book another untill you either pass or it becomes apparent that you are unlikely ever to.
I passsd in March last year and they issued a 1year licence tothe end of June this year and in advance of applying for renewal took another private test with Specsavers to submit with my application. The results were better than last year as I was able to better prepare myself mentally and physically beforehand. The criteria of the DVLA are clearly shown on their website.
Pls, how can I submit to them? can you share more light on submitting by myself? can you give me the email please or the link for submitting it? Thanks, you .its difficult to find any other place to do it now because most of the opticians I went to today were saying they do not have the machine for doing it
Submit by post with covering letter giving your reference number and to the address given by them in their refusal letter. Keep a copy of everything, test results, letter etc and also obtain a certificate of posting from post office. Find a Specsavers who do the DVLA eye tests by ringing around
Sorry, I’m in danger of saying too much, but that’s because I’ve been very affected by this process.
It’s interesting that they can submit one’s best result. It’s equally interesting that I could be recalled for inconclusive results, then pass with no problems.
What this tells me is:
1. Under stress, we all perform differently - even from test to test
2. The levels of explanation and reassurance provided by different SpecSavers isn’t congruent. There needs to be greater standardisation.
3. Each optician seems to operate slightly differently. Some centralise and adjust the the height of the chin rest, and others don’t.
4. Sometimes people wear glasses and sometimes they do not.
5. As the opticians can send one’s best result, this tells me that everyone’s performance can vary from test to test!
All of this suggests it must be very hard to capture a totally reliable result. So don’t despair. Challenge, where appropriate. Ask questions: Ensure the chin rest is in the right position. Make an informed decision about wearing specs, and maybe try with and without, but above all, let them know the tests make you anxious.
I couldn't agree more with JustAmanda. I lost my licence for 2 months last year, due to extremely poor conducting of the test at the Specsavers I had to go to as the closer one I used 3 years ago was no longer on the DVLA list, I don't know why? Chin rest in wrong position, told that was normal when I queried it, noisy corridor not even a curtain drawn, light levels too bright. I immediately got 2 other tests done at other Specsavers, which meant getting a friend to drive, and paying for them, both tests a pass. Then weeks struggling with DVLAs bungling, until I emailed glaucomaqueries@dvla.gov.uk, who were most helpful and my licence arrived in the post within days. I actually got an apology from the DVLA and a letter from Specsavers saying there was nothing wrong with their first test, YEAH RIGHT Mr. I don't want to lose my DVLA contract, money for old rope, Specsavers.
I have to say the other branches of Specsavers were excellent, and I would recommend them any day over my independent optician who did not have the equipment 6 or 7 years ago to diagnose my glaucoma before it got serious.
This is the link to Specsavers customer care, Each Specsavers is a separate franchisee, the head office is in Guernsey, this is why you need to pay for a private test before you go for the DVLA test at a branch of Specsavers which is on the DVLA list and see if you are happy with that branch as they vary.
Specsavers ok.Different test looking with both eyes at the screen. New license arrived 15 days later.In the reply form told to wear glasses that I done most of the time.Glaucoma in one eye.Wish you luck.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
DVLA decision 
when to inform DVLA
DVLA Help
Advice and help re: DVLA eye test please?
