PennDOT Form DL-71BD: Bioptic Driving Log Guide (PA)

PennDOT Form DL-71BD: Bioptic Driving Log Guide (PA) – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Form DL-71BD, officially titled “Driving Log for Bioptic Driving Permit Holder,” is a required document for individuals holding a Bioptic Telescope Lens Permit in Pennsylvania. This form tracks the mandatory observed driving hours needed before a permit holder can take the driver’s skills test and potentially obtain a full bioptic driver’s license.

Bioptic driving allows people with certain low-vision conditions to legally drive using a specialized bioptic telescope lens system mounted on eyeglasses. Pennsylvania has specific training, documentation, and restriction rules to ensure safety. Form DL-71BD plays a key role in verifying that the required practice hours have been completed under proper conditions.

Official Form Download: Download PennDOT Form DL-71BD (PDF) directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.

What Is Form DL-71BD and Who Needs It?

Form DL-71BD is used exclusively by holders of a Pennsylvania Bioptic Telescope Lens Permit (also called a bioptic learner’s permit). It documents the required behind-the-wheel and observed driving practice after the initial permit is issued.

According to official PennDOT guidelines, the form is utilized only after a minimum of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel driver training using a bioptic telescope with a certified driving instructor (CDI) or certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS) knowledgeable in bioptic telescope use and approved by PennDOT.

Key users include:

  • New (novice) bioptic drivers completing the full training requirements
  • Experienced drivers (in some cases the observed hours may be waived based on specialist recommendation)

The form helps PennDOT’s Medical Unit verify compliance before authorizing the driver’s skills test.

Bioptic Driving Training Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires a structured training process for bioptic drivers. The DL-71BD form specifically covers the later phase of this process.

Overall pathway (summarized from official PennDOT sources):

  1. Vision examination completed on Form DL-102BD by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, plus proof of owning a bioptic telescope lens system for at least three months.
  2. Minimum of 10 hours of front-seat passenger-in-car instruction while wearing the bioptic telescope, documented on Form DL-70BD with a PennDOT-approved Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (CDI or CDRS).
  3. Application via Form DL-180 (Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit), identification, residency proofs, Social Security card, and Letter of Enrollment with an approved specialist.
  4. Pass the knowledge test (waived for some experienced drivers) to receive the Bioptic Telescope Lens Permit.
  5. Complete the driving practice logged on Form DL-71BD (details below).
  6. Reassessment by a PennDOT-approved specialist using Form DL-72BD.
  7. Schedule and pass the driver’s skills test.

For full details, visit the official page: Driving with Bioptics – PennDOT and Get a Bioptic Telescopic Lens Driver’s Permit.

Specific Requirements Documented on Form DL-71BD

The official instructions on Form DL-71BD (revised 9-21) state the following core requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 45 hours of observed driving hours with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age.
  • These 45 hours must include five hours of adverse weather driving.
  • All driving must be done while wearing the bioptic telescope lens.
  • Driving is permitted only during the period from 30 minutes after sunrise through 30 minutes before sunset.

Note: The 20 hours of professional behind-the-wheel training with a PennDOT-approved CDI/CDRS must be completed first. The combined total is typically referred to as 65 hours of driver training before reassessment.

Experienced drivers may have the 45 hours of observed driving waived based on the recommendation of a PennDOT-approved specialist (documented on the related Form DL-72BD).

Reference the official Bioptic Learner’s Permit Checklist: Bioptic Learner’s Permit Checklist (PDF).

How to Complete Form DL-71BD?

Follow these official instructions printed on the form:

  1. Complete the form in blue or black ink only.
  2. Enter completed hours/minutes on the approved log sheets. Multiple logs may be used and attached if necessary.
  3. Drive only while wearing the bioptic telescope lens and only during the allowed daylight window (30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset).
  4. Record a minimum of 45 hours of observed driving with a licensed driver age 21 or older, including at least five hours in adverse weather.

Sections on the form include:

  • Customer Information: Name, date of birth, telephone number, street address, city, state, ZIP, and e-mail.
  • Driving Log columns: Date, Drive Time (Hours/Minutes), Weather, Skills Practiced, and Signature of Licensed Driver.
  • The form has two pages of log sheets.

Keep accurate records. The completed logs support the later reassessment and skills test authorization.

After the required hours, the permittee must be reevaluated by a PennDOT-approved CDI/CDRS Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. Only if the specialist deems the driver ready will Form DL-72BD (Bioptic Driving Reassessment Form) be completed and submitted to PennDOT’s Medical Unit. The Medical Unit then issues a Driver Skills Test letter.

Schedule the skills test by calling 717-412-5300 or through the online scheduling system available on the PennDOT website.

Bioptic Driver Restrictions in Pennsylvania

Even after obtaining a full license, bioptic drivers face minimum restrictions set by PennDOT:

  • Driving is limited to roads other than freeways.
  • Limited to passenger vehicles weighing no more than 10,000 pounds (motorcycle operation is excluded).
  • May be limited to a certain radius around the driver’s residence.
  • If visual acuity is less than 20/50 using the bioptic telescope while driving, daylight-only restriction applies.
  • If visual acuity is better than 20/40, the driver may apply for nighttime privileges after one full year of bioptic licensing, provided there are no violations or reported accidents and a specialist recommends approval after reevaluation.

These restrictions promote safety while expanding mobility options for qualified low-vision individuals.

Related Forms and Resources

Several companion forms support the bioptic process:

Additional official resources:

Contact PennDOT’s Medical Unit for questions: (717) 787-9662 or [email protected]. The Bureau of Driver Licensing address is P.O. Box 68682, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8682.

Tips for Success with Form DL-71BD

  • Start logging only after completing the professional 20-hour behind-the-wheel training.
  • Always wear the bioptic telescope and stay within the daylight time window.
  • Choose a supervising licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and understand the weather requirement early.
  • Keep multiple blank copies of the form ready and attach extra pages as needed.
  • Coordinate closely with your approved Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist throughout the process.
  • Retain copies of all completed logs for your records.

Accurate completion of Form DL-71BD is an essential step toward greater independence for Pennsylvania residents who qualify for bioptic driving. Always rely on the most current official documents and instructions published by PennDOT, as requirements can be updated.

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