Exceptional Cirmcumstances Driving Test

[Annabirks]

My Father had a stroke in January 2024 and is now 1 year post stroke, he has visual field loss on his right side in both eyes so has had his license revoked just today after his 2nd appointment to check if his visual field had improved. Obviously this has hit him very hard, in the letter from the DVLA it says he can be reconsidered in exceptoinal cirmcumstances, he meets all the criteria in the letter.
Has anyone else been through this process? Any imformation about the DVLA test or any other information to help improve it even further before a test woudl be much appreciated
Thanks in advance
Anna

[Jerry]

Hi Anna, l had to undergo a DVLA driving assessment before my licence was reissued albeit for leg movement not sight problems. I would stress that it is not a test but an assessment of driving ability. A car is provided on the day and I was accompanied by two assessors and lasted an hour. I felt it quite daunting but was very much put at ease and was told I was successful on completion. I would reiterate it is not a driving test that must be passed but to show your ability and observational skills. I do hope this is of use . Jerry.

[Mrs5K]

It may be worth having a look at some previous threads on this topic.

Dvla - what happens next

When you inform the DVLA they will send you all the relevant information on what happens next. Basically you need to wait a year to prove your condition is not degenerative and then you can apply for an exceptional drivers license. I am not far enough along the process yet to tell you what that is going to be like but I understand we will need a GP’s note confirming they are happy and then an assessment by the DVLA.

Advice on peripheral vision

I am hoping there will be some improvements going forward,fingers crossed otherwise i will ask dvla for "exceptional circumstances " and will have to take an assessment test,good luck to you

Dvla says i cant drive

@sandraplaskow did you read the assessment for medical professionals that @SimonInEdinburgh posted at the start? Chapter 6 deals with eyes and gives exceptional circumstances. In my opinion there wouldn’t be any point unless you can pass the test at specsavers. This is the phone number for DVLA medical line maybe they could better guide you 0300 790 6806. Hopefully you can get continued improvement. Good luck Steve

Field vision eye test for dvla

@Apple @Mrs5K not really an update of such but the dvla called and said the eye test from yesterday is with the dr now along with the critical exception form (assuming a dvla dr) to decide what to do next

Dvla - what happens next

When you inform the DVLA they will send you all the relevant information on what happens next. Basically you need to wait a year to prove your condition is not degenerative and then you can apply for an exceptional drivers license. I am not far enough along the process yet to tell you what that is going to be like but I understand we will need a GP’s note confirming they are happy and then an assessment by the DVLA.

DVLA- nightmare?

Latest update on my ongoing fight with the DVLA to sort out my licence. Received a letter today advising that I am required to do a driving assessment but due to Covid-19 the assessment centers are not open. In with the letter was an application for a provisional with restrictions - I will not be able to drive with anyone except a driving instructor - bang goes the idea of my husband taking me out. Once ready to take the assessment I will have to travel to Edinburgh! At least 5+ hours from our h…

[Annabirks]

Thanks Jerry
This is really helpful, my dad has Aphasia so cannot communicate all that well, also he has always driven a Manual car with a handbrake so not sure how he will cope if its a newer car
Thanks for your reply though it is much appreciated
REgards

[Jerry]

Hi Anna
The DVLA communicate all details by letter, and pay for the assessment. The car I was provided with on the day was an older model with handbrake and was manual. With regard to Aphasia which I also suffer with, I had to ring the centre to confirm a time but the centre are well used to people with problems like ourselves. You have to be driven to the centre but on arrival I was quickly put at ease and I enjoyed the experience by the end of play. I do hope all goes well. Best regards, Jerry

[Annabirks]

Hi Jerry
Thanks for this, I will explain all this to my dad when I see him later today, the more information I can get about the day will surely help me prepare him for it.
Its great they provided a manual with a handbrake for you.
Can I just ask do they take you out on main roads like on a driving lesson? I assume they have dual controls like driving instructor cars.
My dad attempted to drive on a really quiet road 7 months after he came home from hospital but he took a corner really wide so we didnt think it was a good idea to carry on letting him practice
Thanks

[Jerry]

Hi,
The car was a dual control car with an ex. Military instructor, and the assessment was undertaken in Yeovil, a large town about twenty miles from where I live and involved the usual dual carriageway, roundabouts and traffic lights but nothing too taxing. No parallel parking, reversing round corners, emergency stops, just general driving awareness.
Jerry.