California Bioptic Laws 

Bioptics are allowed for driving.

The California rules are vague, but California has licensed bioptic drivers for many years.

• Visual Acuity: A driving license will not be issued to a driver whose best corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in that person’s better eye, as verified by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• No person may use a bioptic telescope or similar lenses to meet the 20/200 visual acuity standards. 
  

A new pilot program in Northern California provides additional assessment tools. This includes any observation of physical limitations that could affect safe driving, and a cognitive exercise that will require you to recall in writing your social security number or your zip code if you have never been issued a SSN. If you fail to perform well on the standard tests or new assesments tools, contrast sensitivity and a Perceptual Response test will be performed.

Last Reviewed July 2009