Type 1: Driving License Revoked by DVLA

[kyamr1]

Hi. I have been type diabetic since 1982 having passed my test at 17 and driven cars and motorbike ever since. 5 years ago I had some laser surgery in both eyes which was successful an have had no issues or concerns from my consultant since. To me my vision has not changed for the worse and have been renewing my license every 3 years for a while now without any issue. However last May the DVLA revoked my license as I couldn't pass the opticians peripheral vision test and as I said, i don't feel any visionary change at all so what has suddenly change with DVLA? I was advised that I could appeal if I provided evidence to show I could drive safely. My opticians have said I have 20/20 forward vision but my peripheral vision has reduced to 95 degrees across both eyes when DVLA require something like 120. I don't know about anyone else but I drive looking around continuously especially being a motor bike rider for 30+years. This is now affecting my work and private life and its becoming increasingly depressing and feel like a prisoner in my own home. Yes my wife drives but I have no independency what so ever and so I thought I'd join up to this site and see if any of my fellow diabetics have any words of wisdom that can help me out. Grateful for any assistance folks.

 

[CarbsRok]

Hi Kyamir1, the rules were changed quite a few years ago, obviously something has changed in your vision otherwise you wouldn't have failed the test. Or the opticians equipment was faulty. Was it spec savers by any chance? There was quite stink kicked up a while back regarding their equipment as people were losing their driving licences.
Have you been to the hospital and seen a specialist and used the hospital equipment if not then ask for an apt and do the test there, then inform the DVLA.

 

[kyamr1]

Thanks CarbsRok and yes it was Specsavers as they were the ones on the list sent to me by DVLA.

 

[CarbsRok]

Here's a link for you https://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/oct/17/motorists-banned-dvla-eyesight-test-faulty-equipment even though it goes back a few years there might still be a problem.

 

[mist]

Specsavers suck!

 

[kyamr1]

I think I need an optician who is on my side. I heard the DVLA may move to a virtual driving test which would be more realistic than trying to press a button every time a pin prick of a light appears. Someone also told me that you can only miss 3 lights to fail now which doesn't seem very fair. What's definitely not fair is anyone who hasn't told DVLA and so never needs o re-apply.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I'm not on medication so do don't have your problems with the DVLA. However, I did recently have the field test alongside my normal eye sight test. The optician told me I missed one of those pin prick lights but that he saw me press the button, and presumably I didn't press it hard enough. He made a note to that effect on the report. So it seems it can also be human error.

 

[noblehead]

However last May the DVLA revoked my license as I couldn't pass the opticians peripheral vision test and as I said, i don't feel any visionary change at all so what has suddenly change with DVLA?

Not sure what's changed tbh @kyamr1.

Much like yourself I've had laser surgery and have had to undergo field vision test to have my licence renewed, but the last time I renewed my licence (which was 3 years ago as my current licence expires in May) they didn't request that I do the test, I don't know why and can only assume that it's because it was some 9-10 years since I'd last had laser treatment.

All I would suggest is you appeal against the DVLA decision and ask if you can do the test at another approved opticians. Good luck.

 

[Dairygrade]

Hi yes I myself went to spec savers about 2yrs ago as I was having trouble with my eye sight they said it has not change since last apt but I knew something was wrong got doctor to refer me to eye clinic with in 2wks I was having surgery for a bleed at back of eye sadly it didn't work and now lost sight in both eyes so if I was you I'd get checked out by you hos eye clinic best way to get an accurate detail of you eye condition all the best

 

[Resurgam]

I have not had that sort of test yet - but Specsavers made me glasses for driving a few years ago, and did not put in the prism factor, with the result that my brain began to ignore what my left eye was seeing - I began to clip curbs. When I went to my present optician for an eye test, when my right eye was covered everything greyed out - the assistant came in and reported that my glasses had no prism. Since having the properly made glasses I no longer hit curbs.
I would never even cross the threshold of a Specsavers shop let alone trust them to perform any test.
I could have run over any number of people, caused accidents - God only knows.

 

[petdell]

Unfortunately specavers are now the only opticians that dvla use, unless you live somewhere like the outer Hebredies. After laser and nearly 100 eye injections over the last 6 years I still have my licence. Lost it for 6 months due to a lapse in the jabs. I have lost possibly 30% peripheral vision in my left eye. The driving licence field test is performed with both eyes open, not singularly. That's the important part. When it comes down to the wire a licence is given if you can read a number plate at 20 metres , with or without glasses. If it's borderline they will take measuring tape. Stand you exactly the 20 metres and ask you to read random plates at a designated driving test centre car park. Almost an annual aventurine in my case.