THE OHIO BIOPTIC DRIVING PROGRAM

 

SUMMARY OF LICENSING PROCEDURES

Prior to December of 1990 applicants for a driver’s license in the state of Ohio could be tested for visual acuity level using only spectacles or contact lenses.  The Ohio rules specifically disallowed using a telescopic/bioptic device to pass the visual acuity portion of the testing.  In December of 1990, however, the rule covering the vision testing for licensure was changed to allow an individual the chance to become licensed if he/she could pass the vision standards with a telescopic/bioptic device and could demonstrate the necessary visual, mental and physical skills necessary for safe driving.  This rule was modified in April of 1996.

It is important to note that the rule allows the visual acuity testing section of the licensing procedure to be performed while using a bioptic device but does NOT change the vision requirements previously established for driving (daytime or nighttime).  An important component of the rule is the stipulation that even if applicants meet vision standards set for both daytime and nighttime driving with a bioptic device, driving will be restricted to daytime hours for the first year of licensure.  If no at-fault accidents or driving convictions are encountered during a one-year period of licensure, the individual is then able to begin processing to be tested for unrestricted bioptic driving privileges (daytime and nighttime). 

Individuals applying to the Bioptic Driving Program will be given a visual field test that is taken without spectacles or with normal spectacles.  (It is not administered while looking through the bioptic device.)  Individuals must have normal peripheral visual fields (i.e., meeting vision standards established for driving) in order to participate in the Bioptic Driving Program.  Individuals with peripheral visual field deficits are not eligible to participate in the program. 

In order to become licensed within the Bioptic Driving Program, an applicant must meet the minimum level of visual acuity and visual field requirements specified within the rules governing licensure and demonstrate adequate functional skills in utilizing a bioptic device while driving.  In order to do this, the applicant must successfully complete a comprehensive driving program, the steps of which are listed below:

 

1. INITIAL VISION EXAMINATION (completed by an affiliated optometrist)

The applicant must undergo a visual examination with an optometrist affiliated with an approved Bioptic Driving Program.  This examination includes specific tests to determine if the candidate meets visual acuity and visual field requirements specified in Ohio driving rules.  Additional tests of vision function will be included to determine the visual capabilities of the applicant.

 

2. DRIVER ABSTRACT

The Applicant is responsible for obtaining a copy of his/her driver abstract    from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.  The applicant must then send the  abstract to the Vision Center Driving School : Vision Center of Central Ohio,  1393 North High Street , Columbus , Ohio 43201.

 

 3.  BIOPTIC FITTING and EVALUATION (completed by an affiliated optometrist)

If vision is adequate for licensure, the applicant will be fit with a bioptic device.  A device will be chosen with sufficient power to ensure adequate visual acuity, but not so strong that a small functional field of view through the device inhibits spotting and information gathering.

 

4.  BIOPTIC MOBILITY TRAINING (completed by an Orientation & Mobility Specialist)

After successful fitting of a bioptic device, the applicant will be trained in its use.  Training typically begins with spotting projected signs and targets while the candidate is stationary.  The next phase involves spotting signs, traffic signals and other driving-related targets while the candidate is seated as a passenger in a moving vehicle. 

 

5.  BIOPTIC DRIVING TEMPORARY LICENSING (first-time drivers)

Once steps 1through 4 of the program are passed, the applicant is eligible to obtain a temporary driving permit (learner’s permit).  This permit is obtained only after the successful completion of a written test on the rules governing driving in Ohio .  To obtain a learner’s permit, the following steps must be completed:  

1. Purchase a learner’s permit packet from local Bureau of Motor Vehicles station.

 

2. Have application/signature form for the Bioptic Driving Program completed, with signatures, through step 4.
3. Go to local Ohio State Highway Patrol Exam Station to take the written test.  Be sure to bring learner’s permit packet, bioptic signature form, birth certificate and Social Security card.  A parent will need to be present if the applicant is a minor.

 

Once the permit is obtained, the applicant can begin driver training.  Unlike the temporary permits is sue d to normally sighted license applicants, the temporary permit for bioptic driving is only valid with a driving instructor certified by the state of Ohio for bioptic driver training.

For those applicants who already hold a valid license, a letter will be is sue d by the BMV authorizing bioptic driving with a driving instructor.  If the license will expire prior to the completion of the program, a letter from the BMV will be is sue d that will extend the term of licensure.

6.  DRIVER TRAINING (completed through an affiliated rehabilitation facility)

The applicant will undergo driver training for a period estimated to be between 20 and 50 hours.  The amount of training required is solely dependent upon the applicant’s skill and will vary with driving experience and other factors.  The driving instructor will determine when the driving skills of the applicant are adequate and no further training is necessary.

 

 7.  DRIVER LICENSE TESTING

The final step in the licensing process is to take the road test at an Ohio Highway Patrol Driver Examination Station.  This test is comprised of four parts;

1) maneuverability testing, 2) spotting of signs and road hazards while a passenger, 3) driving on residential/business streets, and 4) freeway driving.  If the driving test is passed, the applicant will be is sue d a license restricted to daytime driving only. 

 

8.  NIGHTTIME DRIVER TRAINING/TESTING

If 20/40 (for binocular applicants) or 20/30 (for monocular applicants) visual acuity is obtainable through a bioptic device, the bioptic driver is allowed to test for unrestricted driving privileges after completing one year of safe driving (no at-fault accidents or driving convictions) with the bioptic device.  The individual must complete nighttime driver training (the number of hours is dependent upon the driver’s skills—average 12 hours) and pass a nighttime driving test.  Additionally, Ohio drivers who presently are restricted to daytime driving only using normal spectacles can be eligible to test for an unrestricted license after undergoing nighttime driver training with a bioptic device. (Nighttime driver training and testing are not available during Daylight Savings Time.)

 

~~ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ~~

 

   LICENSE RENEWAL

Rules governing the periodic renewal of a bioptic driving license are the same as for normal licenses.  A license can be renewed after demonstrating adequate visual acuity and peripheral vision.  Testing is done at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.  Testing is required at either 1 year or 4 year intervals depending upon the stability of the visual condition of the bioptic driver.  Applicants should contact the College of Optometry to schedule appointments (614-292-1104).

 

  BIOPTIC DRIVERS FROM OTHER STATES

The rules governing bioptic driving in Ohio allow for a bioptic driver licensed in another state to become licensed in Ohio by passing only the vision test, the written rules and signs test and the road test.  If the driver had nighttime driving privileges in the original state of licensure and the vision, rules and road tests are passed, the driver may be granted unrestricted privileges in Ohio .  It should be noted here, however, that for better testing results, out-of-state drivers are strongly encouraged to complete an optional period of driver training prior to testing at the BMV.

 

OTHER LICENSING ISSUES

   The bioptic driving law applies to Class D operator applicants only. Other classes and endorsements (such as a Commercial Drivers License/CDL or a Motorcycle License) are not available through the Bioptic Driving Program.

   Candidates under 18 years of age are required to complete classroom training and an additional 58 hours of behind-the-wheel training in order to obtain bioptic driver’s licenses (daytime and/or nighttime privileges).

 June 2002