Driving a car is not as obvious for people with a visual impairment as it is for most people. Having a visual impairment does not always mean that obtaining a driver's license is impossible, but people with a visual impairment must be tested regularly. Rejected for the regular driver's license? Then you were just unlucky years ago, but since 2009 there has been a new regulation: driving with a bioptic telescope (BTS). Kirsten Smit (21) is happy to tell us about her experience with the bioptic.
Hello! I am Kirsten Smit. I am 21 years old and study Visual Arts and Design in Groningen. I also have ADOA and currently have 30% vision.
When I was little it quickly became clear that driving a car would not be for me. The limit for driving is, among other things, 50% vision and I had already passed that. I have always found this a bit of a shame, but of course it was no different. When I turned 16, I got my scooter driver's license, because there is no medical examination involved, and I was very happy with this. I always really enjoyed driving a scooter and said about driving a car that I would choose a very handsome driver who could drive me around. But when I turned 17 it was suddenly possible to drive a car, but with a BTS. A type of glasses containing a telescope with which you can view signs or special situations on the road, for example. It took some getting used to, but after a lot of special lessons at VISIO in Haren and driving lessons with Rosita, I learned to drive a car with these special glasses. It really was as if a world opened up for me, despite the fact that there was a driving limit attached to my driver's license. I was only allowed to drive from an hour after sunrise to an hour before sunset. This is fine in the summer. This becomes difficult in winter because the sun sets at about five o'clock.
A year ago even this changed. All people who drive a BTS were allowed to take the driving test again individually, but this time especially for the dark. I achieved this together with my mother and now I can drive the BTS car whenever I want.
I live in Groningen, so I often drive home to Drenthe on weekends. It's nice that it can all be done this way and that I can now be my own handsome driver :)
Kirsten emailed the creator of BTS with a number of questions. We hope to receive an answer to this soon, so that we can share some more information with you!
