The eye test is a quick vision screening that happens before or during your road test appointment

The vision screening on a driver's license exam checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. It is not a full eye exam like you'd get at an optometrist's office. Instead, a DMV examiner uses a machine or chart to measure how clearly you see at a distance, and sometimes tests your ability to see to the sides (peripheral vision) and distinguish colors.

You will take this test at your DMV office or testing location, usually before your road test begins. It takes about five minutes. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test — the examiner is checking your vision with your normal correction in place. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be allowed to take the road test that day, and you'll need to return after getting your vision corrected.

Key Takeaways

  • The vision screening measures how clearly you see at a distance and may test peripheral vision and color recognition.
  • You take the test wearing your glasses or contacts if you normally wear them, because the examiner is checking your corrected vision.
  • Failing the vision test stops you from taking your road test that day, but you can return once your vision meets the standard.
  • Vision requirements vary slightly by state, but most require at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction.
  • If you have a medical eye condition, some states offer restricted licenses that limit when or where you can drive.

How the vision screening works at the DMV

The examiner will ask you to look into a machine called a vision screener or phoropter, or to read letters on a wall chart from a set distance (usually 20 feet). You read the smallest line you can see clearly. The machine or chart measures your visual acuity — how sharp your vision is — and records it as a fraction like 20/20 or 20/40.

The examiner may also test your peripheral vision by asking you to keep your eyes forward while they move an object or light into your side vision, and you signal when you see it. Some states test color vision by showing you colored dots or asking you to identify traffic light colors. These tests take only a few minutes total.

If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to your appointment. Tell the examiner if you have them on. The test measures your vision with your correction in place, which is what matters for driving. If you forget your glasses or contacts, you can ask to reschedule rather than fail the test.

Vision standards that must be met to pass

Most states require a minimum of 20/40 vision in at least one eye, and some require 20/40 in each eye. A few states have slightly stricter standards — 20/30 or better. These numbers mean that at 20 feet away, you can see what a person with normal vision sees at 40 feet (or 30 feet, depending on the state). This is considered safe for driving, even though it is not perfect 20/20 vision.

If you wear glasses or contacts and your corrected vision meets the standard, you pass. If your uncorrected vision does not meet the standard but your corrected vision does, you will have a restriction on your license requiring you to wear your glasses or contacts while driving. This restriction is printed on your license, and driving without your correction when the restriction is in place is a violation.

A few states also set minimum standards for peripheral vision — usually at least 70 degrees to each side. If you have a condition that limits your side vision, you may still be able to drive with a restricted license that limits highway speeds or daylight-only driving, depending on your state's rules.

What happens if you fail the vision screening

If your vision does not meet your state's standard, the examiner will not let you take the road test that day. You will be told what the problem is — for example, "Your vision is 20/60 in the left eye" — and you will be sent home to address it.

You can then visit an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) to have your vision corrected with glasses, contacts, or both. Once your vision meets the standard, you can return to the DMV and take the vision screening again. There is usually no extra fee to retake the screening, though you may need to reschedule your road test appointment.

If you have a permanent eye condition that cannot be fully corrected — for example, macular degeneration or significant peripheral vision loss — you may still be able to get a restricted license. Contact your state's DMV to ask about medical review programs or restricted license options for your specific condition.

Preparing for the vision screening

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to your DMV appointment. Wear them on the day of your test. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, let the examiner know, because they may adjust how you look into the machine.

If you have had recent eye surgery, a new glasses prescription, or a change in your vision, schedule your DMV appointment after your eyes have fully healed or adjusted — usually at least a week or two after surgery or a new prescription. This gives you the best chance of passing on your first try.

If you know your vision is borderline, consider visiting an eye doctor before your DMV appointment. They can tell you whether your vision will pass the DMV standard and can correct it if needed. This saves you a trip to the DMV only to be turned away.

Restrictions and special licenses for vision problems

If your vision is corrected to the passing standard with glasses or contacts, your license will carry a corrective lens restriction. This means you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive. Driving without them when the restriction is in place can result in a ticket and points on your record.

Some states offer restricted licenses for people with vision conditions that do not quite meet the standard but are still safe enough to drive under certain limits. These might restrict you to daylight driving only, local roads only, or speeds below 45 mph. The restrictions are printed on your license, and you must follow them.

If you have a medical eye condition and are unsure whether you can pass the vision screening, contact your state's DMV medical review unit before you schedule your appointment. They can review your condition and tell you whether a standard or restricted license is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear sunglasses during the vision screening?

No. You must remove sunglasses and any tinted eyewear for the test. If you wear prescription sunglasses, tell the examiner — they may allow you to use them if they are your normal driving correction, but regular sunglasses are not permitted during the screening.

What if I wear contacts and one falls out during the test?

Tell the examiner when ready. They will let you put it back in or reschedule the screening. You can also ask to take the test with your glasses instead if you have them with you. There is no penalty for rescheduling the vision screening.

Do I need a recent eye exam to pass the vision screening?

No. The DMV does its own vision screening and does not require you to bring results from an eye doctor. However, if you think your vision might not pass, visiting an eye doctor beforehand can help you get corrected before your DMV appointment.

If I fail the vision test, do I have to wait a certain amount of time before retaking it?

Most states let you retake the vision screening as soon as your vision is corrected — sometimes the same day if you have an eye doctor nearby, or within a few days. Check with your state's DMV for their specific rules on retesting.

Will a vision restriction on my license affect my insurance rates?

A corrective lens restriction itself does not typically affect your insurance rates. However, if you drive without your glasses or contacts when the restriction is in place and receive a ticket, that violation could affect your rates. Always wear your correction when required by your license.