BiOptic Driving Network Webboard Archive

Hello all;

Hope this helps somebody in a simmilar situation here in NZ.

I have visual acuity (corrected) of 20/100 (6/24) L / 20/200 (6/60) R which obviously does not meet the Land Transport NZ's requirment of 20/40 (6/12) through thier testing machine.

None the less I do have an unrestricted license (not using biOptics); and this is how I got it.

1. Find an OD who will support your case (can't recommend mine as he is no longer in NZ)

2. Write a letter to the LTNZ medical section; be very, very specific as to what you have and what you would like. Explain you do not have a license but would like to try and get one. Enclose an OD report (either use the LTNZ form or one from your doctor)

3. You will probably have to supply several reports from your OD/optometrist/OT all at your expense

4. They will probably refer you to Kevin O'Leary (Wellington) or another OT to do an "off road" assessment. This is a computer based scenario using CanDAT which is basically a computer "game" and takes about two hours. Cost: $250~

5. Your OT will write a report and foward it to LTNZ; expect a turnaround time of about a week to ten days, which is what I got

6. All going well you will get a medical clearance letter from LTNZ stating you must take an OT assessment before getting your restricted.

7. Call LTNZ, explain you are unable to pass the screening check at the agent, request a helpdesk case number for the agent to complete the application form.

8. Remember that number, it is VERY important and go down to an LTNZ agent. Fill in the application form, tick YES you have a medical condition BUT it has no affected your safety or whatever the question is; in the blank space next to the question write that reference number! The agent will call the helpdesk and will be instructed to either tick that you passed the eye test with or without glasses (if you get better acuity with them).

9. You will be given your temporary learner paper license

10. Take driving lessons

11. You will probably be requird to take an on road assessment, cost $300~

12. Your OT will submit a copy of the report to LTNZ and hopefully you will be given clearance to get your restricted license.

From there, I believe you just have to repeat steps 7 and 8 to get your full license because you are unable to pass the eyesight screening check at the agent.

Hope this helps.

VERY helpful, and congratulations!!