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: