General information
A visual impairment is often an obstacle to getting a driver’s license. However, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec may issue a driver’s license to people who demonstrate compensatory skills that allow them to drive a vehicle safely.
The INLB offers a program that allows people to develop these skills with the help of a bioptic telescopic lens system (optical aid that improves visual acuity).
To qualify for this program, you must:
- be enrolled in a visual impairment program at a physical rehabilitation centre;
- have an eye condition with a prognosis of stable vision;
- have the visual acuity and visual field needed to be eligible;
- have a visual acuity of at least 6/15 using a bioptic telescopic lens system with a maximum strength of 4X.
To participate in the program, you must also:
- be motivated and available for a period of 15 months (duration of the program);
- pay for the driving course (maximum of $2,500);
- be able to practice with a loved one who is trained by the driving school;
- have access to a car throughout the program.
To apply:
- If you have a file at the INLB, call the Service d’accueil-évaluation-orientation at 450-463-1710, ext. 216.
- If you live in Montréal, Laval or the Montérégie region and do not have a file at the INLB, you must ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist to fill out the Referral form – Programme de conduite automobile and send it to the address listed on the document.
- If you live outside of Montréal, Laval or the Montérégie region, you can ask your rehabilitation centre to forward us your application.
There is currently a waiting list for this service. We will contact you once we receive your application to determine whether your ocular condition qualifies you for this program.