Good morning!
So my husbands Field vision test on 21st May has now been assessed (30th July) and he passed. They have said this will be subject to medical review and looked at again when his current license runs out, which is only a year. Any thoughts, please?
Hello.If your husband has been given a yearly medical licence, it means that he has just managed to pass the standards expected by the DVLA. This is called borderline. If he passes again next year, his licence may be changed to a 3 year licence or, they may want to keep it yearly.
When I did my test I’ve ended up with 5 years. Would that be down to my results and age
Hello, It would be down to the results. Age doesn't really come into it.
Well, firstly - congratulations, what a relief! Especially, if I remember correctly, his worry about work. This is something many of us have experienced, but which may be followed up the following year by disappointment if the condition has advanced. The DVLA letter may well emphasise the responsibility to respond to awareness of visual deterioration during the period of the licence; should he be involved in a RTA the analysis of which calls his sight into question there could be consequences for insurance and prosecution. Despite passing it is likely that his sight at night is not optimal. But otherwise, get out and enjoy travel while you can!
That something the night driving I still drive but take my time
yes mine was same. Yearly. I would ensure that you make sure he knows all the correct procedure for the next test as some of the Specsavers seem to vary. Have a look at websites and even question local specsavers. I had always been three years before, but this time I had to use a different opticians and it was only one year. My chin was perched on the point between rather than on a rest, the lights were of varying brightness. I had three goes but none without rimmed glasses. I did try to object to DVLA but heard nothing. So be prepared.
I was first diagnosed 14 years ago. For a number of years I was tested and given a three year license. Then a few years ago was put on a one year license. At my last test I was put back on a three year license. Now I always ask for a printout of my results. I have a 30% loss of FOV from top in my left eye and 10% loss in right eye.
Hello can I ask if those % results relate to your visual fields? Is there e specific visual fields score or measure ? (I will ask my consultant next time)
Yes he got 100% of the lights/ dots on his visual field test and we have the print out to prove it!!!
Thank you x (going to ask consultant for my actual printout of my results)
Thank you all for your kind input. My confusion comes from the man who tested my husband said at the end of the first, and only test, that he shouldn’t tell him the results, but he was so impressed because he got 100%.
So now we’re off to Specsavers for a copy of the test results, because something is definitely not right.
I don’t understand the secrecy, this is my husband’s health, and so he has a right to know.
If, when you obtain the VFT results and it shows that he hasn't missed any lights you can email DVLA direct at glaucomaqueries@dvla.gov.uk regarding their decision on your husbands yearly licence.
Congrats! That’s great that he’s kept his license. 👍🏻 It’s shockingly stressful that wait for results! I age 10 yrs each time!
Only comment I have is the obvious one which is the shorter the time to the next test means they consider that your fields might change more quickly. Enjoy the driving you have now, but make provision mentally to how you’d cope without a license, I think would be my advice. That’s what Ive done.
I also agree that when you’re on a medical license you need to assume some personal responsibility and be honest and objective about your vision. I’m more cautious now about evening or night time driving than I was as I am aware I see less well in poor light and glare is more of an issue. I also drive super carefully as I don’t want an accident that may bring into question my medical license.
Hi That's great news that it is a pass but a concern obviously that it is only a year. If the test result was so good, it doesn't make sense that the licence wasn't granted for a longer time so definitely worth getting the result sheet and following up with DVLA. I appreciate you letting us all know that the result came through. My test was mid June and I've been getting increasingly concerned, as the longest gap I had in the past between test and results was 4 weeks. It sounds like DVLA lead time has become much longer this year.
I have been on a yearly recall since my first referral in 2018 and as others have said, it is hugely stressful - there are only a few months in the year when you're not actively anticipating the test or waiting for a result.
Good luck with challenging the time period.
if I am reading the original post correctly, the gentleman had a test because he notified DVLA of his condition. He passed with 100% so licence ok. He wasn’t given a yearly licence, his licence expires next year so he will have another test to renew as we all do. Chances are, if over 70, he will have a 3yr licence the same as everyone else. ‘Medical licence ‘ only means you have a notifiable condition. It all seems normal and nothing to worry about. Sorry if I have got this wrong and am missing something?
I understood the poster had Glaucoma in both eyes. It was posted in Glaucoma UK site so easy assumption if I’m mistaken.
If they have glaucoma in both eyes they report to DVLA and the standard driving license is suspended immediately. You are offered then to take a test to gain a medical license. You can choose not to and loose you license. Most, like me, take the test and wait to see how long the medical driving license is for.
Age related testing at 70 is another thing entirely. I wouldn’t begin to try and advise how being 70 and having glaucoma would work. 😬 However if you have glaucoma in both eyes, whatever your age, you will be on a medical license. It’s too risky for you not to be. 👍🏻
It is not correct to say licence suspended immediately. I reported to DVLA glaucoma in both eyes and was sent a referral to Specsavers for FOV. It is not age related testing, it is licence renewal testing. Anyone over 70 has to renew every 3 years anyway, glaucoma or not, so passed FOV test and licence issued for 3 years. The concern of theoringinal poster was a re test next year but as his licence was due for renewal next year, he would have to take a test. It doesn’t mean there was a problem.
I think in principle we agree. 🙂 DVLA set the renewal date on a medical license. How long that is set for depends on if DVLA feel things might change. They set 1 yr medical after the test for the poster based on a test for glaucoma. No mention of age etc
I don’t have the wording on the revoke (you can drive to the test though at your own risk ) I’ll see if I can find it. My first letter I had to complete and return from memory. The rest I applied online so don’t have the same paperwork. I believe I am correct on this though.
Age related advice? I bow out. I’m only 60 so will worry about that in 10 yrs. Only one worry at a time please!😂
I'm pleased that your husband has managed to retain his licence, even though only for 1 year. If over 70, he would only get a 3-year licence, and this could be reduced if DVLA think it advisable. I have been on a 1-year licence for a few years now, and I find the VF test very stressful. I have always asked for a copy of the test results and never been refused. This year, I failed the test, and my ;licence has been refused. DVLA did say that if I can produce medical evidence of a satisfactory fieldof vision, they will reconsider my licence. I am at present asking the consultant ophthalmologist at my hos[ital for help, but am still in discussion with him. I guess that there will be many drivers who don't even know they have glaucoma, others who know, but fail to declare it, and many who do not have glaucoma who would fail a VF test. If I were a young person applying for a provisional licence for the first time, I would be asked to read a number plate at 20 metres, and that would be it. I can read a number plate at 30 metres, and my eye pressures are abour 9 mmHg in both eyes, and yet I have so far been refused a licence. It galls me!!
DVLA field tests
Local NHS linked regular Glaucoma monitoring
Normal pressure glaucoma -having a rant
DVLA Esterman test
