ARDS Test

[Finchy]

Im looking to do my ARDS test before long.

I have contacted the msa regarding the medical as I have a cataract in my left eye and dont want to fork out for the medical to fail.

I have driven a road car for the last 4 years since i was 17 and can see further and clearer than most people i know.

I have done various rally experiences and am booked onto a palmersport day at bedford autodrome soon as well.

So what advice can people give me in terms of wheres best to go and also who has had problems with limited sight on the medical??

Regards

Brad

[diz]

Well you can't do an ARDS Test at any of the MSV circuits - as I believe they aren't approved to run them - so try any of the other schools.
Also wait for the MSA's decision on your problem before you book a date.

[MGDavid]

>>>I have contacted the msa regarding the medical as I have a cataract in my left eye and dont want to fork out for the medical to fail.
=== what did the MSA say? The licence app form is more specific about vision standards than colour vision (see related thread) - it refers to standard tests (which use the letter chart hung on the wall). So you probably don't have much option but to see the doc and take the test. If you explain the circumstances and ask them to do the eye test first it won't cost you so much if you fail. BUt here's hoping you will be OK :-)

[silver bullet]

This is the relavent section from the MSA Blue Book, note parts (a) & (b) both eyes open and binocular vision. It used to be both eyes were checked independantly.
I would recommend a visit to your optition show him part (a) & (b) and ask him to check you.

2.9.6.4. The following eyesight standards are
required to be met by applicants for a national
licence. Applicants for International Licences
please refer to FIA Standards ,www.fia.com,
(Appendix L).
(a) Minimum corrected visual acuity must be
6/6 with both eyes open.
(b) Minimum binocular field should measure at
least 120 degrees along the horizontal meridian
with no defects within the central 20 degrees.
(c) Spectacles should be fitted with
shatterproof lenses. Contact lenses if worn
should be of the ‘soft’ variety.
(d) A person who suddenly loses sight in one
eye will not be allowed to hold a licence until
five years has lapsed.
(e) Double vision is not compatible with the
issue of a Competition Licence.
(f) Drivers must have normal colour vision in
that they can distinguish the primary colours of
red and green.

[Tim Wilkinson]

Originally Posted by Finchy

So what advice can people give me in terms of wheres best to go??

Diz is correct, MSV circuits don't do the ARDs test, which rules out the easiest two for you to get to (Brands and Snetterton).

I'd think your options are Thruxton, Goodwood, Silverstone and Mallory. I don't know much about Thruxton or Goodwood, except the prices and that they were a long way away from me (and you), so I plumped for Mallory as I'd heard good things about them.

I'm glad I went there, the time there was relaxed, and the instructors were of the opinion that the ARDs wasn't just a test, but also an opportunity to learn. It was also the cheapest of the circuits offering ARDs (back in February) and had a 100% pass rate from the 12 or 14 people who did it while I was there.

[Finchy]

thanks for the help guys

I havent had surgery as i have had the cataract from birth and the part of my brain will not change if the cataract is removed.

Its not a hinderance as i dont know any different and i actually feel that i have better eyesight with just one eye and 10% vision in the other, then people i know who race with glasses.