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Driving with Bioptics

Applicants will need to have an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist complete form DL-102BD, “Bioptic Lens Vision Examination,” documenting a complete vision examination to include plotted visual fields showing 120 degrees bilaterally in the horizontal meridian, meets the visual requirements necessary for bioptic telescope driving and proof of owning a bioptic telescope lens system for the previous three months. New Drivers will also need to complete a DL-180, "Application for Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit” and a DL-70BD, “Front Seat Passenger-in-Car Instruction for Bioptics Log Sheet,” documenting a minimum of 10 hours of front seat passenger-in-car training with a Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist while wearing the bioptic telescope lens. In addition, you will need to show proof of identification and residency, your Social Security card, and a Letter of Enrollment with a PennDOT approved Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist that is a Certified Driver Instructor (CDI) or Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS).

All documents must show the same name and date of birth, or an association between the information on the documents. Additional documentation may be required if a connection between documents cannot be established (e.g., Marriage Certificate, Court Order of name change, Divorce Decree, etc.)

Upon receiving the application from an eligible individual and approval from PennDOT’s Medical Unit, the individual may be instructed to take PennDOT’s Knowledge Test. When the Knowledge Test is passed a Bioptic Telescope Lens Permit will be issued.

Please visit our fees page for information on the fee for the product you will be requesting.

The Permitee is required to wear the Bioptic Telescope Lens while driving and may only drive 30 minutes after sunrise through 30 minutes before sunset. Permitee must obtain a minimum of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel driving with a PennDOT approved CDI/CDRS Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. Additionally, Permitee must complete a minimum of 45 hours of observed driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age. The 45 hours must include 5 hours of adverse weather driving. This may be documented on the form, DL-71BD, “Driving Log for Bioptic Driving Permit Holder.” Following the combined 65 hours of driver training, the permittee must be reevaluated by a PennDOT approved CDI/CDRS Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist and have the DL-72BD, “Bioptic Driving Reassessment Form,” completed and submitted to PennDOT’s Medical Unit ONLY if the permittee is deemed ready to take Driver’s Skills Test by the Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. If the Permitee is approved, the Medical Unit will issue a Driver Skills Test letter and the Permitee can schedule their Driver’s Skills Test by contacting PennDOT at (717) 412-5300 or online at www.dmv.pa.gov. 

Bioptic Telescope Lens Driver Restrictions

Bioptic drivers are subject to the following minimum restrictions: 

  • The Individual’s driving privilege is limited to roads other than freeways. 

  • The Individual’s driving privilege is limited to passenger vehicles weighing no mor than 10,000 pounds and excludes operation of a motorcycle. 

  • The Individual’s driving privilege may be limited to driving within a limited radius of the Individual’s residence. 

  • If the individual’s visual acuity is less than 20/50 using Bioptic Telescope Lenses while driving, the Individual may drive in daylight hours only. 

  • If the Individual’s visual acuity is better than 20/40 using Bioptic Telescope Lenses while driving, the Individual may apply for nighttime driving after one year provided the following requirements are met: 

    •  The Individual has committed no violations and had no accidents reported during that year. 

    • The individual is reevaluated by a PennDOT approved CDI/CDRS Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist and they recommend allowing nighttime driving