Photo: Huw Williams, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Indiana allows bioptic driving through its Driver Ability Program. You need at least 20/40 through a bioptic telescope of no more than 4x power, best spectacle-corrected vision no worse than 20/200 without it, and at least 120 degrees of horizontal field. A low vision specialist completes the Certificate of Vision for Bioptic Drivers, and you then complete a BMV-approved bioptic driver rehabilitation program before you can be licensed. Bioptic drivers can hold a learner’s permit or driver’s license, but not a motorcycle endorsement.
Indiana bioptic requirements
| Requirement | Indiana guideline |
|---|---|
| Vision without the telescope | No worse than 20/200 with best spectacle correction |
| Vision through the telescope | 20/40 or better |
| Telescope power | 4x or less (unless part of a pilot study) |
| Horizontal field | At least 120 degrees |
| Form | Certificate of Vision for Bioptic Drivers, completed by your low vision specialist |
| Training | A BMV-approved bioptic driver rehabilitation program |
| Credentials available | Learner’s permit or driver’s license; no motorcycle endorsement |
| Restrictions | Added based on your acuity and driving skill |
Step by step: the Indiana route
- Low vision exam. A low vision specialist checks that you meet the guidelines and completes the Certificate of Vision for Bioptic Drivers.
- Bioptic driver rehabilitation program. You train through a program approved by the BMV.
- BMV branch visit. You apply for your permit or license with the certificate. The usual Indiana steps for your age apply as well: see learning to drive in Indiana.
- Restrictions. The BMV can add restrictions based on your acuity and how you drive.
Ask the BMV Driver Ability Program for the approved programs, the length of training and whether a daylight restriction is standard.
Questions about the Indiana program
Can I use the bioptic for the BMV vision screening?
The guidelines separate your vision without the telescope (no worse than 20/200) from your vision through it (20/40). Ask your specialist and the BMV how your screening will be done, and bring the certificate.
Can I ride a motorcycle?
No. Bioptic drivers are not eligible for a motorcycle endorsement in Indiana.
Is my telescope too strong?
Indiana’s limit is 4x unless you are part of a pilot study. Your low vision specialist can tell you what your prescription is.
How Indiana compares
Indiana’s 4x cap is higher than Illinois’s 2.2x or 3.0x. See Illinois bioptic driving, Ohio bioptic license rules and Kentucky’s program, or compare every state in bioptic driving laws by state. Questions about your own eyes are for your low vision specialist.
All medical and disability topics: the US guide to driving with a medical condition or disability.
Want to practise the eyesight check? Our sister site Driving Eyesight Test has a free US letter chart on drivingeyesighttest.com. It is a practice screen, not an eye test.
Sources
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Driver’s Licenses, Permits and IDs: Driver Ability Program” (in.gov)
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Certificate of Vision for Bioptic Drivers” (forms.in.gov)