DVLA/Specsavers test equipment.

[Yeuclid]

I recently had my DVLA field test done at a local Specsavers. They offered a choice so I selected a nearby branch that had recently opened. They all offered different machines, and the one I chose had a Benson 9000.

It looked the same as the others I have used in the past, but in use was significantly different. Instead of the red light being fixed in the centre, at times it moved to the outside edges and corners which was a bit disconcerting at first.

On finishing the test, I mentioned this to the assistant and she said that it was a surprise to them as well. This raises the question of whether using such a machine makes a difference to the stringency of the test.

Anyone else come across this and what bearing does the type of machine have on the test results?

[JustAmanda]

Please let us know the outcome. I’ve heard that certain people feel they perform better using this machine. I guess both work to the same principle. It would be interesting if people could use both so that their results could be compared.

[Hidden]

I failed the DVLA test which, with hindsight, I attribute to the administrator, the degree of interpretation available to the administrator, the environment where the machine is located, frame thickness of driving glasses and my unfamiliarity with such equipment. Three months later, with a new pair of expensive glasses at a different branch of Specsavers and some paid practice sessions at my optometrist, I gained 100% and resumed driving. However, I am no longer able to fulfil all my driving duties such as driving a minibus, which was previously done under 'grandfather rights'. For the 3 months that I lost my driving licence, I had to pay for buses and buy footwear and rainproof clothing to walk to access bus routes. The administrators of these tests have a huge amount of POWER to change your life and especially your work. Recently, I have observed reports of drivers who have been brought before a judge with alcohol issues and proof of dangerous driving a HGV and trailer through a level crossing keep their driving licence in order to continue working. I would have to undertake an expensive PCV tuition and test to continue my driving of minibus, so drive vans, instead. The few seconds intend to familiarise the 'student' at the beginning of the DVLA visual field test is insufficient, administrators should give instructions from a script and the test equipment should be in a quiet room without interruption.

[Yeuclid in reply to Hidden]

Regardless of what machine is used, Specsavers never give any indication of test results and whether it is good or bad. They avoid any questions and prefer to say nothing. I get the impression that they see these tests as a bit of an inconvenience, probably as there is no commission in it for them.

It's a scary time as you get no feedback and can do nothing about it until the letter arrives from the DVLA. Another issue is whether they allow glasses for the test. One branch I went to said yes, another said no. It all seems very unsatisfactory and arbitrary.

[Extrahelp]

Yes! I had exactly the same experience even tho told during the test it was fine??I passed that test(last year) but same happened again this yr in October and I failed.

I took an independent test at a different options recently and they did what they called an Esterman? test...

The optician compared the October specsavers test to their test, albeit different machines.

I was told by the 2nd opticians that I am missing a couple of dots that need to be seen to pass for a licence. He even circled the area that the dvla concentrate on when looking at the test. Very helpful man..

When I showed the same optician last yrs specsavers test results against this years and his test-(they all looked very similar results)-the optician said he was surprised the dvla passed me for a licence last year?!

So I was obviously on borrowed time?

What's confusing(and a relief!) is that I cannot see the deteriation in my daily life (I only have sight in my left eye since 1998, which now has glaucoma since 2017/18) but obviously it's happening..scary stuff...

[Yeuclid in reply to Extrahelp]

It's the lack of information that I find very frustrating. Why can't we be told about the results and be given copies from Specsavers and/or the DVLA. Why does it have to be do secretive. There is something badly wrong with the whole thing

[Dorsetjohn in reply to Yeuclid]

I've had the same experience as TrescoPaddler with one branch of Specsavers giving poor service and failing the te st and having to appeal to get my licence back. I have had no experience of different machines thought they all used the Esterman machin.

If you search the glaucoma pages of this site you will find several posts about experience at different Specsavers branches. The overall advice is to demand a copy of the test, which they are obliged to do, compare it with one from an Esterman machine, if you don't have one go to another Specsavers with an Esterman machine and pay for a test about, 30 pounds, which I had to do after my failed test, and ask the optician for his opinion, which I found they were happy to give as this is not an official DVLA test. If they compare well regarding the missed spots and the opticians opinion is favourable you should be ok, if the first test indicates a fail but the second a past, you are part way to appeal if the DVLA rule against you. Best of luck.

[Pley]

I was told at a previous Specsavers test that I wasn't entitled to copies of my results. I then mentioned GDPR and the data protection act and that I was legally entitled to have a copy of any information that they had on me and the request can be written or verbal. They then have to respond ASAP or within one month or they are in breach of the act. At this point someone had always run to the manager and then been told to give me my results.Hope this helps.

[Stringwells]

I had no trouble taking the DVLA test at Specsavers in Bridgend, S Wales, as a glaucoma sufferer. The assistant was competent and explained it well. I have taken many field tests in the hospital over the years so that helped me. I was not offered a different machine but was asked to wear my glasses for 2 tests and 1 test without my glasses. I have had both cataracts recently done and I only wear my varifocals for reading small print. The DVLA test requires you to use both eyes to do the test whereas the hospital will test each eye separately.

[Yeuclid]

Another example of inconsistency. They told me I had to do it without glasses.