Tips for the DVLA Driver's Test

[Sorshup]

Doing one's best for the DVLA visual field test requires a contradictory combination of concentration and relaxation. I have conducted many such tests, before the NHS decided it did not want multiple contracts and gave the contract to Specsavers. And of course experienced my own decline into loss of licence, my chin being ,on the chinrest! So, I hope the following will be helpful.

Make your appointment for a time of day that you feel at your best. Establish the location of the nearest toilet (if you are told there is not one for patients 'in store'). Arrive in plenty of time, fed and watered satisfactorily. Remove coat, scarf and any other clothing (careful!) to feel as comfortable as possible, and use the loo. You will need your driving specs for the visual acuity test. I despair at the requirement to use these for the VF test, theoretically separate reading specs are more appropriate for the working distance; request that you use these for a second attempt if there is any doubt over your success at passing having used distance or varifocal specs first.

For the test insist on the chair and the machine tablee heights being comfortable, no stretching or stooping. You should be advised that if you want a pause, keeping your finger pressed on the button freezes the process; you can sit back and have a wriggle, And just play with the button first, if you have arthritis it may be easier to use a forefinger rather than a thumb. Also helping is consciously blinking frequently (but quickly, to avoid misses) because this not only cleans the eye but revives retinal sensitivity. The need for concentration on the central target is obvious, but also relax your shoulders and shut out all other thought. Do not hold your breath! Breathe regularly and fairly deeply.

So many people report dissatisfaction with the test experience, I hope this helps to boost confidence a little.

[Astilbe]

Thank you so much Sorshup, any help with the test is much appreciated. I would just add my own tip to yours, I have taken 2 of these tests and am due another next year.

Specsavers vary in where they position their visual field machine. The first time I took one it was in a separate little room in Chorley. Easy to concentrate.

The 2nd time it was at a different specsavers in Lancaster (not my choice, the 1st place wasn't offered that time)

It was unbelievably noisy, in an alcove with 2 other machines (pressures and a scanner)

and with the waiting room and people clearly visible. Also a loud voiced assistant was measuring eye pressures a couple of metres away.

I completely messed up the first two tests, just couldn't concentrate . So only one chance left.

I was really upset. Then the assistant managed to get me a pair of ear defenders from somewhere and advised me about keeping the button pressed down to pause it. I then got 100% but I could easily have failed it.

Therefore I strongly advise people taking the test to take a good pair of ear defenders with them, or at least comfortable ear plugs. You may not need them but it lessens the stress if you are prepared.

[Sorshup in reply to Astilbe]

Thanks for responding Astilbe, your experience warrants a complaint to both Specsavers and DVLA ! I like your suggestion for the ear defenders. People who do not use chainsaws and ngle grinders may have earphones for the hi-fi which will also help similarly but best not to have them bluetoothed to Spotify whilst doing the test.

[dillydream]

Thank you Sorshup. Really useful, especially the comment about reading glasses being more appropriate for the distance. For the first time ever recently , at the hospital, I was given a lense on the machine to correct my near vision. Is there any clear guidance on this from DVLA? Like many people I have had cataract ops with distance lenses inserted and now need to wear reading glasses. I remember that someone on this forum in the past said they were always offered the reading distance lense at the opticians and the hospital which is why I asked at my hospital appointment.

Also, one smart person on here always blinked when they pressed the button!

[Sorshup in reply to dillydream]

Thanks for responding; I'm surprised that you have not been routinely corrected for near at your hospital VF test. I believe DVLA permit up to three attempts at the driver's VF test and offer the option of using your readers as well as the basic requirement of using your usual distance correction (if one is needed for driving). Glad to know you blink,! That advice obviously applies with all VF tests, and others who cannot perform as well, through loss of retinal sensitivity, and so find there is a significant time between seeing a light and responding should continue to blink frequently and not wait to do so at the next button press .

[mrswaffle]

what an excellent summary of good advice! Thank you, Sorshup! I’m sorry DVLA decided to give the contract to Specsavers-I would much prefer it to be administered by someone with your depth of understanding, than some of the not-terribly-interested Specsavers assistants! I have done 3 of these blighted things now & each time, the previous Specsavers branch has not been available so I had to go somewhere different, which means getting the message across to a new set of people that they will be expected to do their bit to make sure I have optimal conditions for the rotten test! I am always polite & friendly but will display my steel core when necessary! For instance, last time, I had to insist on a third attempt (I had just had new glasses & wanted to try with the old ones, the new ones & without). They made me wait but I was glad they did, as a different assistant administered the 3rd test & she explained about having a break, which nobody’s ever mentioned before! Thanks again for taking the time to offer the benefit of your knowledge & experience. ❤️

[Sorshup in reply to mrswaffle]

Thank you Mrs Waffle !

[Mangobrain]

another thing is set up. Last time the position of my chin was on the point of the rest, plus you need to make sure that the lights showing are not varying in brightness like a normal eye test. You can also ask for one to be done without glasses if you wear distance glasses. Last time I had to use a different Specsavers and only got a one year licence. Even though I had a Trab and cataract op you still have to report to DVLA. I am 76.

[Sorshup in reply to Mangobrain]

Hello, yes the operator should ensure you have your cin in the cup, though apart from the discomfort of the point your performance was not lokely to have been affected. Not sure what you mean by the variation in brightness but I suspect your observation is misguided - it is not so much the machine lights varying but the variable response of your retina, affected as it is by glaucoma.

[Beecalmed in reply to Sorshup]

Like Mangobrain, I also understood from what I had read somewhere, that the VFT at the hospital has lights of varying brightness whereas the VFT test for DVLA should not vary the brightness of the lights throughout the test. I’ve had 2 DVLA tests so far and from memory I think the lights didn’t vary. I’m due my next renewal in the new year so I’ll pay attention to the light brightness.

I may take earphones next time. That’s a good idea. I am very distracted by noise when testing. 👍🏻