Many drivers may not realise just what powers the DVLA has. My driving licence expired on 16 July and I had applied for renewal online. The renewal has been refused because the after-effects of a migraine I had in the mid-1980s has left me with a permanent blind spot in the upper right part of my field of vision. Since that time I have driven cars many miles all over the UK without incident, and have never caused any damage to any person, animal or property. The DVLA insisted on a field-of-vision test (that told me nothing new) and refused to renew my licence. At first I thought I'd ask a BSM instructor to assess my driving independently, then realised that without my licence that would be impossible. I have been well and truly stitched-up. I have been tried, convicted and sentenced without committing any offence, but, as a pensioner, cannot afford to fight back. Be warned.