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North Carolina allows bioptic driving under G.S. 20-7(t). You need at least 20/200 vision in one or both eyes with a 70-degree horizontal field through your carrier lenses, and at least 20/70 through the bioptic telescope without field expanders. With vision in one eye only, the field must be at least 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees nasal. You also need an eye report on an NCDMV form, a behind-the-wheel training and assessment program, and a road test. Your Class C license is daylight only until you reach 20/40 through the telescope.
North Carolina bioptic requirements
| Requirement | G.S. 20-7(t) |
|---|---|
| Carrier acuity | At least 20/200 in one or both eyes |
| Field of vision | 70 degrees horizontal; one eye only: at least 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees nasal |
| Through the telescope | At least 20/70 in one or both eyes, without field expanders |
| Eye report | From an ophthalmologist or optometrist, on a form prescribed by the Division, so NCDMV can decide whether field requirements are met or more testing is needed |
| Training | A behind-the-wheel training and assessment program (waived if completed in another jurisdiction) |
| Road test | Required (waived for new residents with a license from a jurisdiction that required one) |
| License | Regular Class C |
| Hours | Half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset |
| Night driving | 20/40 through the telescope, and an eye report that doesn’t recommend a daytime-only restriction |
The training certificate (DL-77BT)
Your training is documented on the NCDMV Certificate of Behind the Wheel Bioptic Driver Training (DL-77BT). The form records your acuity through the carrier and the telescope and your field, and asks whether you have driven successfully at night with the telescope. The form states the field as a minimum radius of 30 degrees nasally and 40 degrees temporally without field expanders. Ask NCDMV or your trainer how many training hours you need.
Step by step
- Your optometrist or ophthalmologist prescribes the bioptic and completes the NCDMV eye report form.
- NCDMV reviews the report and decides whether you meet the field requirements or need more testing.
- You complete the behind-the-wheel bioptic training and assessment, and the DL-77BT certificate is completed for you.
- You take the road test wearing the bioptic.
- You receive a Class C license restricted to daylight hours, unless you meet the night standard.
Teens also follow North Carolina’s graduated licensing steps: see learning to drive in North Carolina.
Common questions
Can I drive at night with a bioptic in North Carolina?
Yes, if you have 20/40 through the telescope and your eye report doesn’t recommend a daytime-only restriction. The training certificate asks whether you have driven at night with the telescope.
I trained in another state. Do I need to train again?
No: the statute waives the training program if you completed it in another jurisdiction. The road test is waived for new residents whose previous jurisdiction required one.
What is the normal North Carolina vision standard?
20/40 in at least one eye for no restriction. See the Southern vision rules.
Ask your eye doctor whether a bioptic suits your eyes. This guide covers licensing rules only.
How North Carolina compares
North Carolina’s 20/200 carrier, 20/70 telescope and 20/40 night thresholds match Virginia’s statute. See Virginia bioptic driving rules, Tennessee, and every state in bioptic driving laws by state.
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
- North Carolina General Assembly, “G.S. 20-7 Issuance and renewal of drivers licenses”, subsection (t) (ncleg.gov)
- North Carolina General Assembly, “Session Law 2013-231 (Senate Bill 568)” (ncleg.gov)
- NCDMV, “Certificate of Behind the Wheel Bioptic Driver Training (DL-77BT)” (ncdot.gov)