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The following article is a general overview of the laws for driving a motor vehicle in the state of Tennessee, for those with visual impairments. Since these laws vary by state, always check with state laws to ensure that you understand them.
Driving is one of those activities that are part of a normal daily routine for many people. For many low vision patients, the inability to drive represents a loss of independence which affects their quality of life. Fortunately, there is good news. While not every low vision person will be able to continue driving, many people are able to retain this ability with proper usage of interventions from a low vision optometrist. This may include the use of advanced optics such as bioptic telescopes, prisms, filters, therapy, or rehabilitation.
There are no U.S. federal laws regulating vision standards for licensed drivers. All U.S. states have their own DMV requirements for people with visual impairment. While state laws differ, they all require visual acuity testing to ensure that drivers have the ability to safely operate a non-commercial vehicle. Not all states require visual field tests to drive.
Always contact your state's DMV website for specific information.
The LogMAR chart for visual acuity is deemed more accurate today than the Snellen chart. Most states require a minimum standard, also known as "Best Corrected Vision Acuity (BCVA)", of 20/40. This means that the standard can be reached with corrective lenses.
Low Vision Guidelines (Bioptic Lens and/or Telescopic Lens Wearer)Applicants for Class D, PD, or H licenses who are handicapped by low vision acuity, but who otherwise qualify for a driving privilege, may be licensed under the following guidelines:
The applicant shall present certification of having completed a certified driver training course completed while the applicant was wearing the bioptic telescopic lens(es).
In some instances, interventions for impairments, (either as part of a therapeutic program or with visual aids), may enable individuals to safely drive a vehicle within the parameters of state laws. Such interventions include the use of bioptic telescopes and lenses which enable drivers to magnify objects. Some states permit such devices, so you want to make sure that its usage accords with your state’s legal requirements.
These unique telescopic spectacles are used by drivers who require improved distance vision in states that permit bioptic usage. It enables people to switch between magnified and standard views, usually by adjusting focus from the upper part which features the mounted telescopes to the lower section called the “carriage” which provides standard vision.
There are many versions of these glasses, from simple flip-top models where you can raise the telescopes, to automated focusing options. Depending on the eye disorder and level of severity, these glasses often provide the required improvement in vision which enables people to safely and legally drive a vehicle according to their state's DMV laws. U.S. states such as Tennessee permit the use of these glasses, provided that all of the additional criteria are met.
The question of driving with vision impairment is not always easy. It requires careful consideration of the state’s legal requirements and the individual’s current visual acuity. It isn't always clear-cut, particularly in the case of elderly drivers where cessation of driving may have an adverse psychological effect on their quality of life. This is particularly so when they retain the overall skills and cognitive capability to drive.
Naturally, while these issues require sensitivity, the overall concern of driver safety is the most critical factor to consider. All variables have to be weighed. Many people find that speaking with a low vision optometrist, a low vision occupational therapist, family, and friends empowers them to find the proper solution. Some people are comfortable switching to licensed driver services, or having their friends drive them.
There isn't a current federal U.S. standard to regulate driving for people with vision impairment. While all U.S. states test visual acuity with a LogMAR wall chart to ensure that drivers can safely operate a non-commercial vehicle, not all states require field tests to drive. Most states require a Best Corrected Vision Acuity (BCVA) of 20/40, which permits the use of corrective lenses to achieve the requisite level. In addition to satisfying minimum standards of acuity, drivers must be free of mental impairments that can affect their ability to drive.
Not all low vision impairments require total cessation of driving. Depending upon the condition, our low vision optometrist may encourage a person to refrain from night-time driving, if the issue is primarily relegated to driving when it is dark outside. In such instances, the individual may be able to continue driving during daylight hours. In other instances, many drivers are able to continue to drive normally with the aid of prescribed visual aids, filters, anti reflective coatings or therapies from a low vision optometrist.
Contact your state's DMV to find out the precise laws governing your state, including those pertaining to testing standards and driver license renewals.If you have any questions about state driving laws please contact our low vision optometrist for guidance on the driving laws for the State of Tennessee.
In addition to meeting the minimum standards of visual acuity, speak with an optometrist to discuss the issue of driving with low vision. With proper interventions, many low vision patients can continue to drive safely without restrictions.
Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.
He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.
It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.
Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!
Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.
Thank you!
Seems much less frustrated with life
Reads non-stop and fast
Spelling abilities have been hugely improved
Seems much more confident
Thank You!!!
When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!
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