DVLA tests for licence renewal

[Moongazer29]

Hi, I have a 3 year licence renewal coming up shortly, and as I have open angle glaucoma in both eyes, kept stable by medication, I expect I will have to have the usual visual field test. I did notice that filling in the form online there is a self-certification process, which I didn't notice before. Does this mean that there is no longer a necessity for this test for everyone? The other question I would like to ask is: has anyone on this forum taken a "paid for" Easterman test before the obligatory DVLA one, and was the optometrist be able to analyse and explain the result? I would love to be able to do this beforehand to keep my nerves down.

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi there. The visual field test for glaucoma is something everyone will have to do when they report it to the DVLA, and the same applies for their renewal. Some people do like to book in a test with Specsavers before their real test for a practice run and completely up to you if you would like to do this. Some people find it really helpful.

[Enquirer1]

Hi Moongazer 29

The answer to your fisrt question, unfortunately, is NO. The online application ask you if you have only on condition and in your case you only have glaucoma, but chances are that they will ask you to arrange and go for the test. I think this simply because thegeneral belief is that glaucoma is a progressive condition and even if you passed last year, the condition could be different this year.

Regarding your other question, I think you can find loads and loads of information on line , covering everything regarding the test and all the different abbreviations. However, some of the stuff could be a bit too clinical .

I hope this helps

Best of luck

[Dumyat26 in reply to Enquirer1]

You say that Glaucoma is a progressive disease. I was diagnosed and tested 15 years ago and my Field of Vision has not changed since then. This may be due to my laser treatments and medication, but what ever the reason there has been no deterioration. (so far) DV

[Enquirer1 in reply to Dumyat26]

You are right there. Improvement or "No Change" could also be due to "learning effect" , as you do the test repeatedly, you get to be more confident doing it.

It also depends on other variables, such as your preparedness during the day, the temperature, distractions outside the room, etc... PP