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VIDBE-Q Volume 64 Issue 2
Driving Requirements
In our January presentation at CEC in Indianapolis, we began by
examining the vision requirements to drive in various states in the Midwest.
The purpose of this exercise was to demonstrate the variability, and in
some cases, vagueness, of different states' regulations. As a general
finding, states typically agree that driving candidates need at least 20/40
visual acuity with best correction (Prevent Blindness, 2003). Each state has
additional requirements pertaining to the field of vision, however, this varies
greatly by state in description. The requirements for restricted licenses are
primarily 20/70 visual acuity with a large variance for field of vision as well.
Some states allow for bioptics, a telescope mounted to the lens of a pair of
glasses (Huss & Corn, 2004), to be utilized for individuals applying for first-
time licensure. Other states only allow for existing bioptic users to move
into the state from a location that permits licensure using a bioptic or ban
the use of bioptics altogether (Windsor, 2016).
Before the start of the presentation, we completed an informal poll of
attendees to learn what methods of programming professionals use to
teach students with visual impairments age 15 and older. As a disclaimer,
we recognize that the concepts we present as being pertinent for transition-
age youth with visual impairments will likely be introduced before the
