Photo: Travis Saylor, Pexels
Tennessee allows low vision drivers to get a Class D (or PD or H) license using a bioptic telescope, under the state’s driver license vision rule, Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-01-13-.10. Your best regular corrected vision must be at least 20/200 with a full visual field, your vision through the telescope must be at least 20/60, the telescope can be no stronger than 4x, and your horizontal field must be at least 150 degrees. Before you apply, you must complete bioptic driver training with a certified driving instructor. Training alone does not entitle you to a license.
This page explains the licensing rule. Whether a bioptic suits your vision is a question for a low vision optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Tennessee bioptic vision requirements
| Requirement | Tennessee rule |
|---|---|
| Best regular corrected acuity (without the telescope) | At least 20/200, with a full visual field; central field loss no more than 5 degrees |
| Acuity through the telescope | At least 20/60 |
| Telescope power | No more than 4x |
| Telescope position | Fitted to one or both eyes, above the normal line of sight |
| Horizontal visual field | At least 150 degrees, without field expanders |
| Other | Acceptable mobility, with unimpaired eye, head and neck movement, and no mental impairment |
Step by step
- Get fitted and use the bioptic. The low vision specialist’s report cannot be written until you have used the bioptic system for at least 60 days.
- Complete training. Before applying, complete bioptic telescope driving training from a certified driving instructor, and a certified driver education course while wearing the telescope. Training covers spotting stationary and moving objects, using brief glances through the telescope, and practice as a passenger or pedestrian. Training certification comes from a low vision qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist, or a certified rehabilitation professional.
- Medical report. A low vision specialist completes the state form, covering the date the system was dispensed, visual findings, diagnosis and onset, and whether your condition is progressive, stable or undetermined. It must be completed within 6 months of your application.
- Apply and test. Apply for your license with the report and training certification, and complete the usual testing. See Tennessee road skills test explained.
Possible restrictions
The rule allows restrictions such as:
- daylight driving only
- a maximum speed of 50 mph
- outside mirrors on both sides of the vehicle
- limits on area or time of day
- no interstate driving
Your eye doctor or the state’s advisory board can add others.
Renewal
An updated eye report is due every year from the date of your first report. You may need re-examination if your condition becomes less stable.
Teen drivers and learner permits
The rule covers Class D, PD (learner permit) and H (hardship) applicants. A teen using a bioptic still follows Tennessee’s graduated licensing rules, including the supervised hours in Tennessee 50 hour driving certificate for teens and the Tennessee learner permit test. Ask the Department of Safety how the bioptic training fits with your permit stage before you start.
Check the current state guidance
The Department of Safety also publishes low vision guidelines. The figures above come from the rule text. Check with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security before you start training, and compare other states in Bioptic driving laws by state and Driver’s license vision rules in the South. Full Tennessee licensing steps are in Learning to drive in Tennessee.
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 only, not an eye test, and it cannot assess bioptic vision.
Back to the hub: Driving with a medical condition or disability in the US.
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-01-13-.10, vision standards (text via law.cornell.edu)
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, “Low Vision Guidelines” (tn.gov), not reachable during research