New PA License Program Changes Game For Visually-Impaired Drivers

PENNSYLVANIA — PennDOT announced on Tuesday that visually-impaired Pennsylvania residents can now use bioptic telescope lenses to obtain a learner’s permit and ultimately earn a driver’s license.

“This law makes significant changes that will ultimately increase many of our residents’ independence and enhance their quality of life,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said.

Act 131, which was signed into law by Governor Wolf in December, took effect on Sep. 27 and directed the establishment of a safe program for eligible individuals to use bioptic telescope lenses that can help them meet visual acuity standards to qualify for and obtain a driver’s license.

These bioptic telescope lenses, with authorized use in at least 46 other states, are designed to help certain individuals who otherwise wouldn’t be able to meet visual acuity standards and obtain a license. PennDOT has developed the program’s training and licensing process, and has now implemented the program.

The law amends the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, or Title 75, by allowing drivers with a visual acuity less than 20/100 combined but at least 20/200 visual acuity in the best-corrected eye to be eligible to apply for a Bioptic Telescope Learner’s Permit.

In order to be eligible, the applicant must:

• Pass a complete vision examination completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• Have possessed a Bioptic Telescope Lens for at least 3 months.
• Undergo a minimum of 10 hours of front seat passenger-in-car instruction with a Low-Vision Rehabilitation Professional.
• Provide the Department a letter of enrollment with a PennDOT approved Certified Driving Instructor or Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist.

Once all requirements have been met, the applicant may apply for a Bioptic Telescope Learner’s Permit.

Upon successful completion of PennDOT’s knowledge test, they will then complete a minimum of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel driver training using the Bioptic Telescope with a PennDOT-approved instructor or specialist, plus 45 hours of observed driving hours with a licensed person who is age 21 or older, in order to complete the 65 hours of accompanied driving required. They will also be reassessed by a PennDOT-approved instructor or specialist before taking the skills exam.

Bioptic telescope drivers may only drive during daylight hours, are limited to roads other than freeways, and may only drive passenger vehicles weighing no more than 10,000 pounds.

More information on Driver and Vehicle Services can be found online.