The Modified Vision Program allows new and currently licensed drivers with corrected visual acuity
worse than 20/70 but not worse than 20/100, in one or both eyes, to obtain a restricted Maryland driver’s license. The individual must also have a
continuous field of vision of at least 110 degrees. Prior to the program’s inception, these individuals were unable to obtain a Maryland driver’s license.
After one (1) year of successful driving, a program participant may apply to have the “Daylight-Only” restriction removed allowing them to drive at any time. All other restrictions will remain permanently.
How do I apply for the Modified Vision Program?
You, your physician or your vision specialist may contact the MVA’s
Driver Wellness & Safety Division (DW&S). You may also be referred to the program by an MVA branch office when you go to renew your driver’s license. If you currently hold a driver’s license, it will be suspended until you successfully complete the Modified Vision Program. The DW&S will send you a Modified Vision Program Package which you will need to complete and return to them. Once you return the completed package to the DW&S, the Medical Advisory Board Ophthalmologist in the DW&S will review your information and determine your eligibility for the program.
Once my application for the Modified Vision Program has been accepted, what do I need to do?
The program requirements are different for experienced drivers and applicants who have never held a driver’s license. If you currently hold or have ever held a driver’s license, you must successfully complete the following to become a program participant:
- Clinical and behind-the-wheel evaluations at an authorized rehabilitation facility;
- 20 hours of customized driving training at an authorized low vision driver training driving school;
- Standard Maryland driver’s examination at the MVA’s
Glen Burnie office.
Note: The Driver Wellness & Safety Division (DW&S) will coordinate the scheduling of the driving test at the Glen Burnie office.
After all of these items have been successfully completed, you will be eligible to receive a restricted Maryland Driver’s License.
If you have never held a driver’s license, you must successfully complete the following to become a program participant:
- Clinical evaluation at an authorized rehabilitation facility;
- 10 hours of basic driver’s education at an authorized low vision driver training driving school;
- Behind-the-wheel evaluation at an authorized rehabilitation facility;
Note: Upon receipt of a favorable evaluation, you will receive a “restricted” learner’s permit allowing you to drive only under the supervision of a licensed driving instructor.
- 20 hours of customized driving training at an authorized low vision driver training driving school;
Note: Upon successful completion of the training, you will receive an “unrestricted” learner’s permit allowing you to also drive under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
- 60 hours of driving supervised by a parent, guardian or other supervising driver (required of all novice drivers, not just those participating in the Modified Vision Program). The supervising driver must submit a completed and signed practice log documenting that you had a minimum of 60 hours of driving experience; and
- Standard Maryland driver’s examination at the MVA’s
Glen Burnie office.
Note: The Driver Wellness & Safety Division (DW&S) will coordinate the scheduling of the driving test at the Glen Burnie office.
After all of these items have been successfully completed, you will be eligible to receive a restricted Maryland Driver’s License.
The restrictions placed on your driver’s license are as follows:
- You must have outside mirrors on both sides of your vehicle
- You may only drive during daylight hours (“beginning one-half hour after sunrise and ending one-half hour before sunset”)
- You may only drive a vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
As a Modified Vision Program participant, you are required to submit a copy of your annual vision examination results to the Driver Wellness & Safety division to keep your driver’s license. Only the “Daylight-Only” restriction may be removed, after a minimum of one year of successful driving. All other restrictions will remain on your license permanently.
How do I apply to remove the “Daylight-Only” restriction on my license?
You must first complete at least one (1) year of driving with a restricted Maryland driver’s license in which you did
not have any accidents or tickets. Then, you must do the following:
- Contact the Driver Wellness & Safety division (DW&S) to schedule contrast sensitivity, glare-screening and dark adaptation testing at the Glen Burnie office.
- Attend night-time driver’s training at a low vision training driving school.
- Schedule a night-time driving test with the DW&S at the Glen Burnie office.
Once you have successfully completed all of these actions, you may obtain a corrected Maryland driver’s license with the “Daylight-Only” restriction removed. You are still required to submit a copy of your annual vision examination results to the Medical Advisory Board in order to maintain your driver’s license.
Fees:
- The MVA does not charge a fee for the Modified Vision Program; however, the applicant is responsible for all costs associated with the rehabilitation center, low vision training driving school and the standard fees for a Maryland driver's license.
- There is a
fee for obtaining a corrected driver's license.
Contact Information:
MVA
Driver Wellness and Safety (DW&S) Division
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
For telephone questions:
MVA Customer Service Center: 1-410-768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired: 1-301-729-4563