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DVLA Visual Field Standard – Hemianopia — SCE Neurology MCQ

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ModerateNeuro-ophthalmologyDVLA Visual Field Standard – HemianopiaSCE Neurology

A 55-year-old man with a recent ischaemic stroke has a left homonymous hemianopia. He can drive a car but not legally. What is the DVLA visual field standard for Group 1 driving?

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Correct answer: C — A minimum binocular visual field of at least 120 degrees horizontally with no significant defect within the central 20 degrees — a complete homonymous hemianopia does NOT meet this standard

The DVLA visual field standard for Group 1 (car/motorcycle) requires: binocular visual field of at least 120° horizontally, extension ≥50° left and right, and no significant defect within the central 20° radius. A complete homonymous hemianopia reduces the binocular field to approximately 90°, which fails this standard. Some patients with incomplete hemianopia or macular sparing may pass — formal Esterman binocular visual field testing is required. A: Standards are defined. C: Both acuity AND fields are assessed. D: Partial field loss may be compatible. E: Both sides are assessed.

Reference: DVLA – Assessing Fitness to Drive (2025)