PennDOT Form DL-70BD Bioptics Log Sheet Guide (PA) – If you are applying for a bioptic telescopic lens driver’s permit in Pennsylvania, one of the required documents is PennDOT Form DL-70BD, officially titled “Front Seat Passenger-In-Car Instruction For Bioptics Log Sheet.” This form documents the mandatory 10 hours of specialized front-seat passenger training required before you can obtain a bioptic learner’s permit.
This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, how to complete it correctly, and where it fits into the overall bioptic driving process in Pennsylvania. All information is based on official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) resources.
What Is PennDOT Form DL-70BD?
Form DL-70BD is an official log sheet issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Driver Licensing. It records a minimum of 10 hours of front seat passenger-in-car instruction while the applicant is wearing a bioptic telescope. The instruction must be provided by a PennDOT-approved Low Vision Rehabilitation Professional (typically a Certified Driver Instructor or Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist).
The completed log must be presented when applying for a bioptic learner’s permit. The form (revised 9-21) is available as a free PDF download from the official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.
Download Official PennDOT Form DL-70BD (PDF)
Who Needs to Complete Form DL-70BD?
Anyone seeking a bioptic telescopic lens learner’s permit in Pennsylvania must complete this form. Under Pennsylvania law (Title 75 of the Vehicle Code), individuals with visual acuity less than 20/100 (but at least 20/200 in the best corrected eye) may qualify for bioptic driving if they meet specific vision and training requirements.
Key eligibility points include:
- A complete vision examination documented on Form DL-102BD
- Proof of owning a bioptic telescope lens system for at least three months
- Visual fields of at least 120 degrees bilaterally in the horizontal meridian
- Completion of the 10-hour front-seat passenger instruction recorded on DL-70BD
Both new drivers and experienced drivers applying for a bioptic permit must submit the completed DL-70BD.
Requirements for the 10-Hour Training
According to official PennDOT instructions printed on the form:
- The training must total at least ten (10) hours of front seat passenger-in-car instruction.
- The applicant must wear the bioptic telescope during the entire instruction period.
- Instruction must be provided by a qualified low-vision rehabilitation professional approved by PennDOT (CDI or CDRS).
- Hours and minutes must be accurately logged. Multiple log sheets may be attached if needed.
- The form must be completed in blue or black ink.
This passenger-in-car phase helps the applicant become familiar with using the bioptic system while another person drives. It is a prerequisite before obtaining the bioptic learner’s permit and beginning behind-the-wheel training.
How to Complete Form DL-70BD?
The form contains several clear sections:
- Customer Information – Enter the applicant’s full name, date of birth, telephone number, street address, city, state, ZIP code, and email address.
- Log Entries – Record the date and drive time (hours/minutes) for each instruction session. Use additional sheets if necessary.
- Affirmation and Signature – The Low Vision Rehabilitation Professional must certify that the applicant completed the required 10 hours. The professional signs, prints their name, enters their LVRP number, and dates the form. The applicant also signs and dates the form.
Once completed, the form is submitted with the other required documents when applying for the bioptic learner’s permit.
Where Form DL-70BD Fits in the Bioptic Driving Process?
Obtaining a bioptic telescopic lens permit in Pennsylvania involves multiple steps. Form DL-70BD is required early in the process:
- Obtain a vision examination and Form DL-102BD from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Acquire a bioptic telescope lens system and own it for at least three months.
- Complete at least 10 hours of front-seat passenger instruction and document it on Form DL-70BD.
- Obtain a Letter of Enrollment from a PennDOT-approved Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist.
- Submit Form DL-180 (Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application) along with DL-70BD, DL-102BD, proof of identity, residency, Social Security card, and other required documents.
- Pass the knowledge test (waived for some experienced drivers) to receive the bioptic learner’s permit.
- Complete additional training: minimum 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a specialist plus 45 hours of observed driving (including 5 hours in adverse weather), documented on Form DL-71BD.
- Undergo reassessment (Form DL-72BD) and pass the driver’s skills test.
For the most current checklist, refer to the official PennDOT Bioptic Learner’s Permit Checklist available on the Commonwealth website.
Related Forms and Resources
Applicants will typically need these additional official forms:
- DL-102BD – Bioptic Lens Vision Examination
- DL-180 – Application for Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit
- DL-71BD – Driving Log for Bioptic Driving Permit Holder
- DL-72BD – Bioptic Driving Reassessment Form
Official information is available on the Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services website:
Contact PennDOT’s Medical Unit for questions: (717) 787-9662 or [email protected]. Mailing address: Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 68682, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8682.
Download the Official Form DL-70BD
Always download forms directly from the official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website to ensure you have the current version.
Print the form, complete it in blue or black ink, and keep copies for your records. Accurate documentation of the 10 hours of training is essential for a successful bioptic learner’s permit application.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Bioptic drivers in Pennsylvania face specific restrictions, including daytime-only driving in many cases, no freeway driving, and vehicle weight limits (passenger vehicles 10,000 pounds or less; no motorcycles).
- Nighttime driving privileges may be requested after one year under strict conditions and with specialist recommendation.
- Requirements can be updated. Always verify the latest information directly with PennDOT before beginning the process.
By properly completing Form DL-70BD and following the official steps, qualified individuals with low vision can pursue the opportunity to drive safely using bioptic telescopes in Pennsylvania.