DVLA eye test

[begonias]

I'm having my three-yearly DVLA eye test in two weeks. I always dread the visual fields test and I'd welcome any tips for managing it.

[Oldie42]

I really can understand your worries! The results of the fields test are so important with driving being critical to our normal life. I’m 82 and have had the dreaded test 5 times. My experience with it over the years has been nerve racking. What with the amateur approach of the staff and the various machines that may be used. This is my advice.

Make sure that the testing machine is one that is identical to the one used by your consultant.

Ask for a copy of your results ( legally they are obliged to to give you a copy)

If you wear varafocals or react to light specs don’t use them!! (I have purchased a pair of glasses to make sure my close vision is at it’s best!)

Remember to take any drops several hours before the test and then stop the test if you feel too stressed

Ask to do the test with and without specs.

Last year, I even asked my consultant if he would allow me to have a trial run with him prior to the DVLA test (ie a fields test using both eyes and it helped to do the test without any worries)

Finally good luck let us all know how you got on

[BeeLib]

Hi, I completely understand. I too have it theee yearly and I find it stressful. . Lots of great tips in the previous reply. I had really good staff member at Specsavers- didn’t make me feel rushed at all- but it was noisy. She got me earphones to help me block out some of it. I’d say don’t let yourself be rushed in any way & try to take as much control of the environment as you can.. I’ve done at at lest 5 times and have so far been ok. Really hope it goes well. All the best.

[Olivertwist24]

I understand you being nervous as it is for such an important thing and I also try to get first appointment in Specsavers before it gets too busy and noisy but yes you can wear headphones . I have varifocals that react to light and will need to have new glasses just before my test in June as I am having my 2nd trab op next week so have to wait 3 months for my eyesight to settle . I have always worn varifocals and was told that to have react to light was very important to have to preserve your eyes. I was informed at my hospital that if you miss a light initially that the light is then made brighter and that should not be negative result if you then see the brighter light. I am trying to find out if DVLA will definitely send me reference number for the test before my licence expires. Does anyone know this please ? Am worried that my 3 month date after my op is very close to needing to take the test and get new glasses! Already stressed at the thought of it all. Sorry not being very reassuring but it is not easy carrying out the test in a busy environment as well as the test being difficult ! Good luck to everyone doing this test 👍🏼🤞.

[Islandhome]

I feel your pain! Recently done mine and passed but the stress is always off the scale. All good tips here, I have become more forceful of my rights over the years of doing them. I know they can’t tell you if it is a pass so this time I had my printout, took it with me to the acuity test (FOV operator said I probably knew more about it then she did) and asked if she thought I should repeat it. She said no, there was no need which at least gave me a bit of peace till the licence came. Another suggestion I may take up next time is to pay Specsavers for a practice run the week before then you are comfortable with the machine and they can discuss results. Good luck.

[JustAmanda]

You’re not alone.

Two years ago I was recalled twice!

By test number 3 I was very anxious, so went to a different centre and actually told them how I was feeling. That experience was altogether different! Firstly they positioned the stool to align with the chin rest. If your back is not comfortable it could affect your performance. They then centralised the chin rest. Remember, the chin rest is designed for single eye tests as well. I will never know whether using it for both eyes from the left or the right could compromise one’s performance.

That test was fine……whether it was the small changes, or simply the calmer, more reassuring atmosphere, I’ll never know. But keep blinking and taking deep breaths. And do let them know you’re anxious because their technicians vary hugely in their approach.

[Dumyat26]

Been doing these tests for 15 years now. As everyone else has said it is always very stressful. However I learned fairly recently, DVLA are only interested in the Field of Vision which can affect driving. This is a "letterbox" shape covering the central area. It is amazing how little vision is allowed as a pass. I believe you can still drive with one eye! My own experience is that I am allowed multiple goes with and without glasses. Always ask for a printout of your results. They are obliged to give you this but only if you ask. After a few years of being on annual tests I am now back on 3 yearly tests which is some comfort.

[Decorator123 in reply to Dumyat26]

I’ve read somewhere that you can drive, we just one eye. I got a 7 year driving after mine not sure how that worked out

[Beecalmed in reply to Decorator123]

Hi! Do you have glaucoma in both eyes? Was your 7 year renewal issued in 2021 or during lockdown by any chance?

[Shinal_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello, many people feel worried and anxious about having a visual fields test. The test you are most likely to do is an Esterman test. It is different to the visual field test done at a routine eye test or eye clinic appointment. Most people find the DVLA fields test easier as you do it with both eyes together and the light stays the same brightness.

Tell the optometrist or their assistant if your distracted or you do not understand what you are supposed to do. You can do the visual field test up to three times at your appointment. The optometrist or their assistant should be able to give you a copy of the test results. If they cannot, you can ask the licensing agency for a copy. Wishing you all the best.

[Infochecker]

I wrote to the DVLA last year for information about their test at Specsavers, and their reply is below. Useful info on ear defenders and stopping the test if lose concentration.

With regards your queries, I can confirm as follows –

1 – the standard required for the test is a size III white stimulus at a non adjustable light intensity of 10dB

2 – we recommend that no glasses are worn for the field test due to the possibility of the frames interfering with the peripheral points. However, if you feel you would perform better with glasses, you would need to discuss this with the test operator as to whether glasses would improve your results. DVLA have no restriction on you wearing different glasses for the field test, however, it may not necessarily improve your results.

3 & 4 – before the test is started, you should make sure you are comfortable with the test surroundings – if you need ear defenders to block out any noise distractions, these are available so just mention to the operator if you require these. If you lose concentration once the test has started, the operator should allow you to repeat the test

5 – the results are sent to DVLA – if you require a copy of the results, please contact Drivers Medical to request a copy