OAR 735-062-0330: Training Program for the Use of Bioptic Telescopic Lenses to Drive

(1) The training program for a person issued a special limited vision condition learner’s permit consists of: (a) Theoretical instruction; (b) Practical training in critical object or condition awareness skills and use of a bioptic telescopic device; and (c) Behind-the-wheel training while using a bioptic telescopic lens. (2) Training must include a minimum of six hours of practical training and 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training while using a bioptic telescopic lens. The total amount of training in each category is dependent upon the person’s skill and will vary with driving experience and other factors, as determined by the rehabilitation specialist. No behind the wheel training can be conducted prior to the rehabilitation training program receiving the person’s special limited vision condition learner’s permit from DMV. (3) Notwithstanding the minimum training requirements set forth in section (2) of this rule, a person who has never been issued a driver license in Oregon or another jurisdiction must be provided a minimum of 30 hours theoretical training, six hours of practical training and 24 hours of behind-the-wheel training. (4) Notwithstanding the minimum training requirements set forth in section (2) of this rule, a person who has been issued a driver license using the bioptic telescopic lens from Oregon, or another jurisdiction, must be provided a minimum of two hours training to be granted new privileges in Oregon. The specialist will assess and determine type and length of training required based on the experience and demonstration of safe driving. (5) Theoretical instruction may include but not be limited to the following: (a) Subject matter contained in the Oregon Driver’s Manual; (b) Safe driving practices and traffic laws; (c) The “Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute” (SIPDE) approach to perceptive driving; (d) Signs, signals, highway markings, and highway design features required for the safe operation of a motor vehicle; (e) Driving emergencies such as brake or tire failure, skidding, stuck accelerator, and running off the roadway; (f) Potential crash locations and situations such as intersections, hydroplaning, railroad crossing, multiple vehicle types in the traffic mix, and pedestrian traffic; (g) Occupant restraint usage; (h) Speeding as a major contributing factor in vehicle crashes; and (i) Driver responsibility and accident reporting. (6) Practical training must include, but not be limited to: (a) Passenger-in-car training that reinforces defensive driving skills; (b) Use of mirrors and blind spot checks; (c) Critical object or condition awareness (roadway characteristics, traffic control devices and other road users); (d) Proper and appropriate use of the bioptic telescopic lens system; (e) Hazard perception skills; and (f) Ability to change fixation in and out of his or her bioptic telescope effectively in one to two seconds or less per fixation, under stationery and dynamic conditions. (7) Behind-the-wheel training must include demonstration, instruction and practice while using a bioptic telescopic lens, consisting of: (a) Stopping; (b) Starting; (c) Recognizing and responding appropriately to traffic control devices, roadway markings, pedestrians, vehicles and other changes in the driving environment; (d) Lane position; (e) Controlling speed; (f) Managing space around the vehicle by adjusting speed and position to avoid conflicts and reduce risk; (g) Turning, including right and left turns at protected and unprotected intersections; (h) Backing; (i) Parking; (j) How to enter, use and exit different types of intersections; (k) Safe and courteous driving behavior; (L) Driving in residential, business, light and heavy traffic situations; and (m) Dealing with the unexpected — road construction, emergency vehicles, etc. (8) In addition to the training described in sections (6) and (7) of this rule, practical and behind-the-wheel training may include a nighttime driving training program. A nighttime program must consist of at least two hours of behind-the-wheel training after dark in both well-lit and poorly-lit areas and on varying types of roadways, such as city streets, residential streets, highways and country roads, while using a bioptic telescopic lens. (9) No behind-the-wheel nighttime driving training may be conducted prior to the rehabilitation training program receiving the following from DMV: (a) A special limited vision condition learner’s permit without a driving during daylight hours only restriction, as described in OAR 735-062-0390(1); or (b) A modified restriction letter allowing the person to drive at night with a rehabilitation training specialist, as described in OAR 735-062-0390(2). (10) To successfully complete a nighttime driving training program, the rehabilitation specialist providing the training must certify the person is able to safely operate a motor vehicle at night while using a bioptic telescopic lens.