which is the best machine for a DVLA test

[RUPERT44]

I’m due to book a test so any help welcome

[Rescobie]

If you attend the eye clinic at your local hospital you will be familiar with the type of machine used for your field vision tests at the clinic so I would suggest you use the same type when you go to SpecSavers - that's what I did when I did my test in late March 2023.

I will pray that your test result is satisfactory and you are able to continue to drive.

[RUPERT44 in reply to Rescobie]

Many thanks

The loss of the licence is a very scary prospect

[JustAmanda]

I was recalled twice having used the Humphrey.

The third time I found a different SpecSavers, who had the Henson.

On arrival I explained to the assistant how nervous I’d become over my inconclusive tests and said I was hoping the Henson would suit me better. What I didn’t know was that I was sitting in front of another Humphrey!

All the opticians I’ve spoken to suggest that the Humphrey is the “best” machine! However, she told me if I didn’t do well on the Humphrey we could go downstairs and use the Henson. I didn’t need to do that and following this test, got my licence.

My analysis of my first two (four in all) tests was that no one had previously centralised or adjusted the chin rest. I will never know whether this was my problem but I’m on a mission to ensure that anyone doing the test does so in optimal conditions.

So from what I’ve learnt, is the Humphrey is fine, when adjusted. I did my test without my varifocals because each optician has always suggested that neither the reading or distance lens are really designed for the dome’s dimensions, plus the tortoiseshell rim could obscure a spot of light. But everyone needs to explore their own unique requirements on the day.

[Decorator123 in reply to JustAmanda]

I did my test twice first with glasses on second with out

[JustAmanda in reply to Decorator123]

Do you know which suited you best? Are your glasses for distance or reading? I have varifocals which means I use different parts of the lens for different purposes. The assistant thought my natural eye would therefore be better, and it was. I guess none of us have the same types of lens.

I therefore think trying with both may be the answer but I’m pretty sure my recalls were due to using the left, unadjusted chin rest on the first two visits.

[RUPERT44 in reply to JustAmanda]

the chin rest does appear to be an issue to be clear about on the day. I’m very short sighted since young so will have to use my normal glasses

[JustAmanda in reply to RUPERT44]

Do make sure the frames do not obscure your peripheral field of vision, and make sure you’ve got the chin rest in the right position. Good luck.

[Decorator123 in reply to JustAmanda]

My glasses are far distance they said a did better without them on said something about the frames

[JustAmanda in reply to Decorator123]

When you think about it the distances in the dome are neither reading distance or long distance. I also don’t know, visually, whether one needs glasses to see light, or whether we wear them to get definition to shapes and images.

[Jacs123 in reply to JustAmanda]

Thanks this and your other posts are so helpful! The whole process is so stressful! I have my test booked for next week and I have been stressing over whether to wear glasses or contact lenses. The test in the eye hospital uses a lens the same as my distance prescription but I am worried that the frame of my glasses will affect the results!

[JustAmanda in reply to Jacs123]

I’d discuss your anxiety and concerns with them, asking them what they recommend. It might be worth trying both with and without your lens. The main thing is to make sure you’re happy with the chin rest, which I believe needs to be centralised for a two-eye test.

I’m not sure that all of their assistants realise what’s at stake. I also think that much depends on your lens and what distance they’re designed for. For me the dome measurements don’t conform to my reading lens distance or long distance.

Good luck and please keep us posted.