DVLA are a PITA

3 year renewal came up. Last time it took me 6 years to get my license back which involved independent Eye Specialists (as booked by DVLA) and finally an RDAC driving assessment (booked by them at my request). This swung it in my favour and was renewed.

This time I prepared; booked and paid for the same Eye consultant as last time and booked and paid for the RDAC myself allowing me to submit all the evidence within a couple of weeks of the Specsavers test which I knew I wouldn't naturally pass.
Wrote to DVLA in Nov explaining I'll do this when I applied for renewal which is due in April. Thought I'd get a head start giving me enough time to prepare it all....bad move.

Specsavers was same as previous 10 years so I know I'm going down the exceptional application process.

Eye consultant says says as 2013 and 2017 assessments he did.

RDAC say I have no issues to drive and very good ability and awareness. Luckily helped by a deer I avoided during the assessment which they were well pleased with!

However DVLA received just the Specsavers eye test first and they immediately revoked license. Next day all the remaining evidence was received and now sent it all off to them recorded - that was a week ago last Friday.

I've tried to call them 87 times (yes I counted - thats how much of my life I've wasted) and get cut off because 'they are too busy'. How the hell are we supposed to communicate with this organisation? I bet they haven't even got to my letter I sent in November. Can't email them. Can't phone them. No compassion whatsoever.

I'm furious and whatever the result I'm going to see my MP about their shoddy service. I wish I hadn't applied early as now don't have a license more than 2 months ahead of the previous one expiring. Just when I need it most as I am doing a house renovation 100 miles away from where I currently am living. #DVLAlifedestroyers

BIG UPDATE - got my license back!!!!!
I managed to get through on the phone after ringing 117 times! Lady went away to check the extra evidence received.
Got a call this morning saying its been renewed and DVLA actually apologised as they should have put a marker on my record stating 'exception application process' and to wait until ALL the evidence was received.
So Specsavers test was a fail as I have minor blind spots in lower field of vision from laser treatment, which doesn't impact ability to drive.
They then required GP letter about my health, independent Eye Consultant letter which confirmed no change from previous years, and an RDAC driving assessment report stating my ability to drive. Last 2 I funded and were both great reports.
Happy days. If this can help anyone else...

You need to request a Regional Driving Assessment Centre assessment. Or apply to RDAC directly and pay for it yourself then send dvla the results.
Google them.