Re: Driver training for low vision people

Comments:
: : When California DMV conducted its most recent survey about driving with BiOptics in 1994, one of the questions we asked is whether there was a state sponsored driving program. As you might guess, we received conflicting information depending upon who responded to the questionaire for the state motor vehicle agency. For example, I know the people personally who originated the driver training program in West Virginia, yet the respondent from WVA DMV did not indicated the program existence. I guess it also depends upon what is meant by a driving program. For example, I know California, Michigan, Georgia and New York all have specific requirements for BiOptic drivers written into DMV policy, but the interpretation is different even with the DMV field offices. The BiOptic driving population is generally so small, statistically speaking, that it very difficult to establish a state program, even in a state like California that has 25 million drivers, about 450 of which use BiOptics to drive. Sorry, Virginia, I know this really didn't answer your questions and in fact probably did more to confuse the issue. I guess the short answer is in general there is requirements for training and prerequisite characteristics a potential BiOptic driver must meet in many states, but no state controlled training program using specific criteria in the majority of states licensing BiOptic drivers. A good, professional driver trainer with dual controls in the automobile who has knowledge of working with disabled drivers would be the best candidate to acquire skills to assist in evaluating the performance and developing the skills of prospective BiOptic drivers. : : Dennis, would you mind sending me your e-mail address again. : I live in New York, and cant seem to get any helpful : information about the laws/requirements for low vision. : I was also trying to get some information on mopeds/scooters. : I bike ride now with no problem, so I thought a scooter : would be fun, but once again, the brick wall of the : licensing issue comes up. There was an article my mother : read a while ago about certain mopeds/scooters that : did not require a license, but she didnt save the article. : I dont think this is the case but it's worth looking into. : The problem I have with BiOptics and the concept of : driving with it is your field of vision. How can I effectively and safely drive : with one magnified field and one regular vision eye. Maybe I am looking at this : wrong but maybe you can help. I am going this weekend : for a new pair of glasses and plan on speaking to the Dr. about : his support and knowledge of BiOptics and whether he would be willing : to help me with the driving. : Thanks Dennis for your wealth of knowledge. : Annemarie

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