Over 70 C1 Licence Renewal Eyesight requirement and a Cautionary Tale

[Stewart J]

November 2022, medical done, optician does eyesight section of D4 and all sent off to DVLA recorded delivery. Early December letter from DVLA saying I do not meet the eyesight requirement for D1, I already know this as my right eye acuity is slightly below the minimum required but above that needed for C1. I am guessing when I filled out the D2 I inadvertently ticked the D1 box (minibuses) They sent me a form see 3rd photo which I duly completed stating I only wanted the C1 entitlement and sent it off recorded delivery. Licence arrived today with C1. Moral of this story take care when completing the D2 form I would suggest crossing out the D1 minibus section if your eyesight does not meet the higher standard which is the HGV requirement, or enclosing a note with the application to this effect. The standard required for a C1 is the same as for a car etc. As an aside the D4 Drivers doctor when filling out the medical side of the D4 commented on my right eye not meeting the higher standard and was not aware that this did not apply when only a C1 was being requested. Hope this is of interest for anyone else whose eyesight does not meet the minimum HGV requirement. Being 73 this is my second renewal the first 3 years ago went through without a hitch.

 

[SteveRallye]

Thanks for that info. I passed mine thru the stress test, the ball ache was the 8 months it took me to get my licence, bearing in mind what you have said I will look at getting my eyes tested prior to my next application in 2 years time.

 

[ctc]

I have found it easier for the optician to sign for the sight test when I have my free visit and buy new glasses.

 

[jezport]

Is the Visual Acuity limit different for a car licence and a C1 licence?

 

[repairer]

Is the Visual Acuity limit different for a car licence and a C1 licence?

I have just had my medical for C1, the doctor told me it was different for C1 compared to normal licence, reading above suggests different.

The doctor was through D4 Drivers, he specifically said standard of eyesight is different for driving with C1 than standard licence.

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[CORNHYM]

I have had the same letters only this week after ticking the C1 only box I also had problems at the opticians who informed me that I had failed the eye test and he was also reluctant to complete the form, I had to inform him that I had to send the forms in regardless as they would have to take the C1 entitlement off my license renewal. He then took ages to fill the form in making a mess and altering figures (looking at the figures he had written and checking on the internet later I still had the minimum pass rate I think he did not take into account I had corrected vision ie.glasses !) Two weeks later I received the letter (as per letters in top post) saying I had passed for a C1 but have to go to a DVLA registered optician for a free ten minute Visiual Field Test which is fair enough (who can't fit me in until a months time) what a palarva ! .
The best news is that I had my first cataract removal op a couple weeks ago and the difference is amazing (fully recommended) and so hopefully will not have this hassle in three years time by which time both eyes will have been done.

 

[wireman]

Whee...licence back for another 3 years to drive Category C1. So relived as was not looking forward to downplating given the stories that I may just be left with little or no payload given the extras that have been put on. None of which we would like to be without.

Just for interest, it was one day under three weeks. I did send it through the post office tracking system for next-day delivery and proof thereof. It was the best £7:50 I have spent in a long time. I got information from the PO that it had been received and signed for the next day. The guy who said about it in a different place but around here needs a drink for doing so.