PennDOT DL-72BD Bioptic Driving Re-evaluation Form PA

What Is the PennDOT Form DL-72BD?

Form DL-72BD (revised 11-23) is the official Bioptic Driving Re-evaluation Form issued by PennDOT’s Bureau of Driver Licensing. It must be completed and submitted to PennDOT’s Medical Unit only when a PennDOT-approved Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist determines that the permit holder is ready for the Driver’s Skills Test.

The form documents:

• Completion of required behind-the-wheel training hours
• Completion of observed driving hours (including adverse weather)
• Whether certain training requirements may be waived for experienced drivers
• Any recommended limited driving radius
• The specialist’s professional opinion on readiness for the skills test

You can download the official form directly from PennDOT here: Download PennDOT Form DL-72BD (PDF).

Who Needs to Complete Form DL-72BD?

The form is required for:

• New bioptic permit holders who have completed the mandatory training
• Experienced bioptic drivers transferring an out-of-state bioptic license to Pennsylvania
• Drivers seeking to demonstrate readiness for the Pennsylvania Driver’s Skills Test

It is completed by a PennDOT-approved CDI/CDRS Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, not by the driver. The specialist must affirm that the information is true under penalty of law (18 Pa. C.S. § 4904).

Key Requirements Before Submitting DL-72BD

According to official PennDOT guidelines, the following must be completed before the DL-72BD can be submitted:

• 20 hours of behind-the-wheel training using a bioptic telescope with a PennDOT-approved CDI/CDRS Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (may be waived for experienced drivers with at least 3 years of bioptic driving experience)
• 45 hours of observed driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age, including a minimum of 5 hours in adverse weather (may be waived for experienced drivers with stable visual acuity and fields of vision upon specialist recommendation)
• Documentation of these hours on Form DL-71BD – Driving Log for Bioptic Driving Permit Holder

Only after the specialist determines the individual is ready does the completed DL-72BD get submitted to PennDOT’s Medical Unit.

Information Required on Form DL-72BD

The form collects patient (driver) information and specialist evaluation answers, including:

1. Whether the individual obtained a minimum of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a PennDOT-approved specialist
2. Whether the individual is an experienced driver (minimum 3 years bioptic experience) who may waive the 20-hour training
3. Whether the individual completed a minimum of 45 hours of observed driving (including 5 hours adverse weather)
4. Whether the individual is an experienced driver who may waive the 45 hours of observed driving
5. Whether a limited driving radius is required, and if so, the specific distance
6. Whether the specialist feels the individual is ready to take the on-road skills test (with reason if not ready)

The Low Vision Rehabilitation Professional must provide their name, specialty, number, address, telephone, and signature with date.

How to Submit Form DL-72BD?

Once completed by the approved specialist:

• Submit the form to PennDOT’s Medical Unit at: Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 68682, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8682
• Contact phone: (717) 787-9662
• Email: [email protected]

If approved, the Medical Unit issues a Driver Skills Test letter. The driver can then schedule the skills test by calling (717) 412-5300 or online through the official PennDOT scheduling system.

Related Bioptic Driving Forms and Resources

PennDOT provides several related forms and checklists for the full bioptic licensing process:

• DL-102BD – Bioptic Lens Vision Examination
• DL-70BD – Front Seat Passenger-in-Car Instruction for Bioptics Log Sheet
• DL-71BD – Driving Log for Bioptic Driving Permit Holder
• DL-180 – Application for Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit
• Bioptic Learner’s Permit Checklist (PDF)

Official information is available on the PennDOT website: Driving with Bioptics – PennDOT and Get a Bioptic Telescopic Lens Driver’s Permit.

Bioptic Driver Restrictions in Pennsylvania

Successful applicants receive a restricted license with these minimum conditions:

• Driving limited to roads other than freeways
• Limited to passenger vehicles weighing no more than 10,000 pounds (excludes motorcycles)
• Possible limited radius around the driver’s residence
• Daylight-only driving if visual acuity is less than 20/50 with bioptic lenses
• Nighttime driving may be requested after one year if vision is 20/40 or better, with a clean record and specialist recommendation

All bioptic drivers must wear the bioptic telescope lens while driving and initially drive only from 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset.

Out-of-State Bioptic License Transfers

Drivers transferring a valid out-of-state bioptic license to Pennsylvania must provide:

• Proof of at least three years of bioptic driving experience (not including permit time)
• Proof of a clean driving record for the previous three years
• Completed forms DL-102BD and DL-72BD
• Assessment by a low-vision rehabilitation professional confirming safe driving skills with bioptics

The knowledge test is typically waived, but a skills test is required.

Download the Official PennDOT Form DL-72BD

Always use the current official version from PennDOT to ensure compliance. Download the free PDF here:

Download Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-72BD – Bioptic Driving Re-evaluation Form (PDF)

For the most up-to-date information, contact PennDOT’s Medical Unit at (717) 787-9662 or visit the official Driver and Vehicle Services website. Requirements and forms can change, so verify details directly with PennDOT before submitting any documentation.