10 Tips for Renewing Your Driver’s License With Macular Degeneration

Nothing stresses me more than the fear of taking the eye exam to renew my driver’s license. Once before, I failed the exam and had to jump through several hoops to get my license renewed. That was over 10 years ago, when I was at the beginning stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Now, I’m at the intermediate stage with 20/40 vision (Indiana’s minimum requirement) and needing to renew my license again. To say I was a little nervous is putting it mildly.

My 10 tips for driver's license renewal with AMD

To feel more confident and less stressed, I utilized many tips I want to share that might help anyone faced with this challenge. Being able to continue driving with AMD is a big priority for me.

1. Get a thorough eye exam

Get it prior to your license renewal date. Know exactly what you’re dealing with and talk candidly with your doctor about your upcoming renewal. They will know your state’s requirements and if there are restricted licenses you can get should you fail the exam. Some states have forms you can take to your eye doctor to complete and submit. Knowledge is power!

2. Blink often, keep your head down, and go slowly

This great advice came from my ophthalmologist assistant when I shared my concerns with her. Blinking often helps you see more clearly, and keeping your head down keeps you from looking through your bifocals. Both she and my doctor assured me I would be fine and that I met the minimum requirement of 20/40 in my state.

3. Choose a day that is less busy

Many BMVs or DMVs (Bureaus of Motor Vehicles, or Departments of Motor Vehicles, respectively) list the best hours to come. The middle of the week was better at my BMV than Monday or Friday. I scheduled my renewal for a Wednesday.

4. Be selective about the BMV location

I had options and chose the BMV that was less busy AND where the staff were much friendlier. Another location I had visited before was a little frantic, and I felt like a mere number.

5. Consider the time of day you see better

I often notice that I see better in the afternoon or evenings than I do when I first get up, so I scheduled my appointment in the early afternoon.

6. Schedule an appointment

If you can. At my BMV, you can walk in, pick a number, and wait your turn, or you can schedule an appointment online. I was already stressed enough without having to sit and wait for my number to be called. I chose to schedule an appointment and got in ahead of all the walk-ins. However, if your BMV does not offer appointments, choosing the least busy days and times will help.

7. Let someone drive you there

When my husband offered to drive me to the BMV, I accepted. This allowed me to be a passenger and not be concerned about traffic or other distractions.

8. Take a deep breath

Seriously, it helps — in fact, take several deep breaths before walking inside the BMV. It was also helpful to meditate in the morning to feel calm and relaxed.

9. Be kind

Show kindness to all the employees at the BMV. Of course, we should always be kind in all ways, no matter what our circumstances, but it can truly pay big dividends at the BMV. They are under pressure to move people through quickly and efficiently. Have empathy for their job and thank them.

10. Smile

Yep, a friendly smile goes a long way, especially at the BMV.

Tears of joy in the BMV parking lot

Following these tips helped me renew my driver’s license for another 3 years, and I am feeling so grateful for this gift! And feeling very grateful for how helpful the clerk at the BMV was when I was struggling to read the numbers. He kindly and patiently worked with me. I’m not sure what will happen 3 years from now, but I’m going to thoroughly enjoy driving, with great caution, another 3 years — WHEW!

I hope these tips will help you as much as they helped me. Please feel free to add additional tips that may help others in the comments section below!