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 100 degrees. Prior to the program’s inception, these individuals were unable to obtain a Maryland driver’s license.
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 will receive a Modified Vision Program Package from DWS. After you complete and return the package to DWS, it will be reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board (MAB) to determine your eligibility for the program.
Once my application for the Modified Vision Program has been accepted, what do I need to do?
Driver Wellness & Safety will coordinate your next steps because program requirements differ for experienced drivers versus applicants that have never had a driver’s license.
If you currently have or ever had a driver’s license, your medical review includes successful completion of the following to become a program participant:
- Clinical and behind-the-wheel evaluation at an authorized low vision driver rehabilitation facility.
- Customized driver training sessions at an authorized low vision driver training driving school.
- Maryland drive test at an MVA location.
- After successful completion of the medical review, you will be eligible to receive a restricted Maryland Driver’s License.
If you never had a driver’s license your medical review includes successful completion of the following to become a program participant:
- Clinical evaluation at an authorized low vision 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 low vision rehabilitation facility.
- Customized driver training sessions at an authorized low vision driver training driving school.
- 60 hours of driving supervised by a parent, guardian, or other supervising driver as required of all novice drivers.
- Maryland drive test at an MVA location.
Note: Learner’s permits you will be updated as you move through this process.
Drivers’ license restrictions for program participants that will be imposed on the driving record:
- Outside mirrors on both sides of your vehicle.
- Daylight driving only (beginning one-half hour after sunrise and ending one-half hour before sunset).
- Driving limited to a vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
Program participants are required to submit an annual vision examination to DWS.
How do I apply to remove the “Daylight Driving Only” restriction on my license?
Program participants may request removal of the daylight driving only restriction after completion of at least one (1) year of driving while in the Modified Vision Program. Medical review for removal of this restriction includes successful completion of the following:
- Contrast sensitivity, glare-screening and dark adaptation testing for review by the MAB.
- Customized night-time driving training at an authorized low vision driver training driving school.
- Maryland night-time drive test at an MVA location.
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
