I have just informed the dvla that I have glaucoma in both eyes and they are sending out a medical questionnaire for me to fill in and return which I assume is self explanatory once they receive it I understand that they will access it and send out a form for me to book a esterman field test with one of a number of specified Specsavers within a certain time frame, would anyone know the timeframe, I.e. 1 week, 2 weeks etc, the reason for the question is that I am due to go on holiday on the 28th March for seven days and don’t want to have to come back to take the test is there some flexibility ?, to be honest whilst I have 6/6 vision with glasses in my sight test am terrified of the field test due to the impact on my life if I fail, I shall be taking the advice from this site and taking a couple of private tests to familiarise myself but what confuses me at present is the two types of machine one with a fixed central dot (Henson ?) and the other with one that moves to the 4 corners (Humphrey ?) and opinion seem split on which is best/easiest and pass rates, any opinions would be most appreciated.
dvla esterman test appointment: I have just... - Glaucoma UK
dvla esterman test appointment
Hello, when the DVLA invites you to take the required eye test, you will receive a letter from the Drivers Medical Group. This will have an ‘M reference number’ that is unique to you and a DVLA case number. This M reference number should be used when making your appointment at Specsavers so that we can request the appropriate paperwork. It’s important to note that you will have a limited time to book and attend an appointment so please arrange this as soon as possible after receiving your letter. I am not sure what the timeframe is on this but you can check with the DVLA to be certain. Best Wishes
If I remember rightly, the test has to he booked within 4 weeks/month of getting the letter from DVLA. I think it's the Humphrey that has the fixed dot
It's a good idea to do some practice tests, which is what I did. It's worth trying with and without glasses to see if that affects the results. Glasses frames can get in the way of some of the outermost dots.
I've only ever had the fixed dot tests so can't comment on comparison with the other type.
I hope it all goes well for you.
Thank you so much for responding, I was thinking that I would only get a couple of days to book it and if I was away that would be an issue, I have had the individual eye test done many times but understand that they are both equivalent, I will certainly insist on at least one without glasses as I have had a cataract done and my specialist said I should do that.
I've just checked my letter from the DVLA, from 24 Nov 2022. You are allowed about 8 weeks, not 4 as I said earlier. The letter said, ' You must attend an appointment within 8 weeks of the date of this letter '.
The letter from Specsavers says, slightly confusingly, ' It is recommended that the appointment should take place within 7 days of the receipt of this letter, and no later than 56 days from the date of this letter'.
I think they want you to book the appointment quickly, as I got another letter dated 2 Dec from Specsavers saying that if I hadn't already booked an appointment tment I should do so urgently.
As I had a cataract operation at the beginning of December, I made the appointment as near to the 8 week deadline as possible.
My very helpful post on the subject of about six months ago seems to have disappeared.
The test is the ame on all machines, and assuming you have undertaken a VF test at hospital then relax. This is eaasier and quicker. If you are recently diagnosed and have not been told at hospital that you have significant losses you are unlikely to fail. Ascertain, by visiting or phoning, a SS branch where the test is conducted in a quiet place,; use the specs (or none) that favour close work, use the loo before, blink and breath normally through the test. Treat yourself to a cream bun afterwards.
Thank you for replying and the information, and still can’t get my head around the type of machine to go for, fixed or moving red dot but may be overthinking things, good advice regarding the cream bun but more like a family gateau and a few G&T’s for me. 🤭
I believe that the Henson 9000 requires you to move your attention because the screen is small it does not cover your full field. So to test your periphery your fixation target shifts to the edge so the area of screen takes in your wider field. Probably four times. If you are used to the Humphrey at the hospital surely you will feel more confident with a similar machine?
Thank you for responding, your explanation does sound reasonable and makes sense, have you used the Henson personally ? if so was it easy to refocus on the new fixation point in time.
I’ve just completed a DVLA a test (I’ve done it twice before). I’ve got Glaucoma in both eyes. You have four weeks from receipt of the DVLA letter to book your appointment so you will easily be able to fit in a holiday). The letter from the DVLA with the test authorisation code took about 3 weeks from my application to arrive. My visual field test was on a machine with a central dot. I had to do the visual field test 3 times (which was better than last time when I did it four times!). I then did a very short eye test. I was told that I have nothing to worry about as I passed. It appears to me that you would do well to work on your anxiety using some relaxation or mindfulness techniques rather than practising which will only make you more anxious.
Thank you for your kind reply, advice regarding relaxation very appropriate as stress is through the roof, it really is the unknown.
Once receiving the letter in my case I was driving on section 88 for a considerable time. Check when you are going on holiday carefully as in my case the letter only gave my a few days to book the appointment. I fine the wording of such letters almost threatening. Remember it is you that have been honest reporting your condition. This regime does tie up holiday planning. The test is simple and if your glaucoma is not very far advanced you will pass easily. The white lights in the periferal test are quite bright, I have gone through a couple now and had scores first time of 120/120 on first attempt. I did mine with my glasses on. The DVLA punish the honest and do not check at all those that do not declare eye conditions. The system I feel is totally unfair. Wishing you well.
Thank you so much for replying, the stress is off the scale but that’s just me.
DVLA test – to wear glasses or not?
Would anyone be willing to share the past DVLA Group 1 Visual Field Test Results and DVLA response.
DVLA Driving test
DVLA decision 
DVLA and field test
