DVLA form

[Crafty-gran]

just completed my dvla form online

How long and what happens next please

Anxious about it

I’ve already lost some peripheral vision and there is nerve damage

Do not sure or what stage my glaucoma is

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello, If you have applied online, the response as far as I am aware is quicker,normally a few weeks.

You will be asked to make an appointment at a Specsavers in your area. You normally have a choice of 3 branches and it will tell you the type of Visual Field test machine they use. You will also be asked to do an Acuity test.

You can have a VFT up to 3 times at the time of the appointment. You will be asked to sit the test with glasses if you use them for driving. The other two tests if needed can be done with or without glasses. The results will be sent to the DVLA to see if you reach the standards to drive safely for yourself as well as others. You are entitled to copies of these tests. If Specsavers refuse, you can obtain them from the DVLA directly.

Although the V1 form asks for your eye specialists information, This does not mean they will be contacted. In fact this is very rare. The DVLA will only contact the eye specialist if they need more information regarding your glaucoma.

Decisions on whether you reach the standards are decided by the DVLA from the results of your Specsavers readings.

You can carry on driving while you are waiting unless you have been told otherwise by your eye specialist

Regarding the stage of your glaucoma. You need to call the eye secretary to ask for this information. If you receive cc letters to your GP, this information should be in the letter.

Here is a link to our Booklet on glaucoma and driving, which has recently been updated.

glaucoma.uk/product/driving...

[Crafty-gran in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

thanks Trish

Thats really helpful

[Crafty-gran in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you

Do I need to inform the insurance company

Isl so

Is this before or after my appt

I’m finding all

This quite anxious

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to Crafty-gran]

Some insurance companies like to be told and kept up to date with medical history and others don't seem to be. We always recommend you contact them and tell them. Your premium won't go up. This way you have crossed the 'T's and dotted the 'I''s. If you had to make a claim for whatever reason, they couldn't turn round and say they weren't aware of your glaucoma diagnosis.

[Crafty-gran in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you Trish

[Hollyberry3]

The DVLA will send you a list of Specsavers nearest to you. You choose one and phone to make an appointment. You can have three attempts at the field test. On my last two visits I needed the three attempts! You don't have to get them one hundred per cent right. The DVLA will also contact your consultant. Then the DVLA medical officer makes a decision. My licence has recently been granted for another three years.At the field test you will be asked if you wear your glasses for driving. Best to say that you do (even if you don't always!) otherwise you will have to do the test without. At least, that's what happened to me on my first visit.

On my last test a few months ago, I was missing some at the sides. The technician left the room, spoke to someone, and came back suggesting that I remove my glasses for a third try as the frames might be the reason I was missing some. I had taken my glasses prescription along with me and the machine was adjusted accordingly. To my relief, this produced a better result. I was very surprised, as the frames on my glasses are very thin.

[Crafty-gran in reply to Hollyberry3]

Hi hollyberry3

That’s really useful thank you

[doileyqueen in reply to Hollyberry3]

Hello, my story is very similar, how bad do the missing sections have to be before they take away your licence? The hospital has just upped my drops which are making me unwell. I'm terrified of going to Specsavers. I don't wear glasses and was shocked to be told I had glaucoma. Sorry for the panicky tone I'm still coming to terms with it