Vision requirements are set by your state, not federal law, and they determine whether you can drive unrestricted, with restrictions, or not at all

Every state requires a vision test before issuing or renewing a driver's license. The test measures visual acuity (how clearly you see) and sometimes peripheral vision (what you see to the sides). Most states use a standard eye chart, though some use automated screening machines. The results decide whether you pass without conditions, pass with restrictions like corrective lenses, or fail and must retest after treatment or correction.

The minimum vision standard varies slightly by state, but most require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye, with or without glasses or contacts. A few states allow 20/60 or 20/70 with a restricted license. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and every time you drive — your license will be marked with a restriction code. If you fail, you can usually retest after a waiting period, typically 30 to 90 days, once you have had your eyes examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye, measured with or without glasses or contacts, but the exact standard differs by state.
  • If you wear glasses or contacts to pass the test, your license will carry a restriction code requiring you to wear them every time you drive.
  • You will also be tested for color blindness and peripheral vision in many states, though color blindness alone rarely causes a license denial.
  • If you fail the vision test, you can retest after 30 to 90 days once you have seen an eye care professional and corrected the problem.
  • Some medical conditions — cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy — may require a behind-the-wheel driving evaluation before the state will issue or renew your license.

What the vision test measures and how it works

The vision test at the DMV is brief and standardized. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance, usually 20 feet away. The examiner records the smallest line you can read clearly in each eye separately. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test. The result is expressed as a fraction — 20/40 means you see at 20 feet what a person with standard vision sees at 40 feet.

Most states also test peripheral vision, which is your ability to see objects to the sides without moving your eyes. This is done with a machine called a perimeter or a handheld device. Some states screen for color blindness using an Ishihara test (colored dot patterns) or a similar method. Color blindness is not usually a reason to deny a license, but the state records it. A few states test eye pressure to screen for glaucoma, though this is less common at the DMV.

State-by-state vision standards and what they mean for you

The minimum vision requirement is 20/40 in most states, but a handful allow 20/60 or 20/70 with a restricted license. Some states measure vision in each eye separately; others measure best corrected vision (with glasses or contacts). A few states allow monovision (one eye corrected for distance, one for near) only if you have been wearing that correction for at least six months and can prove it.

If you do not meet the standard, you will be denied a license or given a restricted license that limits when or where you can drive. A restricted license might require you to drive only during daylight hours, only on local roads, or only with a bioptic telescope (a special lens device). To find your state's exact standard, contact your state DMV directly or check its website — the standard is usually listed under "vision requirements" or "medical standards."

If you wear corrective lenses and pass the test while wearing them, your license will show a restriction code (often listed as "corrective lenses required" or similar). You must wear those lenses every time you drive. Driving without them when your license requires them is a violation and can result in a ticket or license suspension.

What happens if you fail the vision test

If you fail, the DMV will not issue or renew your license. You will be given a notice stating the reason and told when you can retest. The waiting period is usually 30 to 90 days, depending on your state. During that time, you should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist to have your eyes examined and treated if needed — for example, new glasses, cataract surgery, or management of a medical eye condition.

When you return to the DMV to retest, bring documentation from your eye care provider showing that the problem has been corrected or treated. This might be a new glasses prescription, a letter stating that your condition has improved, or a report of a surgical procedure. The DMV will retest you at no additional charge in most states, though a few charge a small retest fee.

If you fail a second time, some states require a medical evaluation or a behind-the-wheel driving test before you can proceed. Others may issue a restricted license or refer you to a vision rehabilitation specialist. A few states have a medical review board that examines cases where vision is borderline or complicated by other medical conditions.

Medical eye conditions and special testing

Certain eye conditions — cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa — may trigger additional testing beyond the standard vision chart. If you have one of these conditions, the DMV may require a letter from your eye doctor stating that your vision is stable and safe for driving, or it may order a behind-the-wheel evaluation by a certified driving rehabilitation specialist.

A behind-the-wheel evaluation is a road test conducted by a trained professional who watches how you handle the vehicle, respond to hazards, and use your peripheral vision in real driving situations. This test costs money (typically $200 to $500) and is not covered by most insurance plans. The evaluator provides a report to the DMV, which uses it to decide whether to issue a license, issue a restricted license, or deny the license.

If you have had eye surgery or a recent change in your vision, bring documentation to your DMV appointment. Some states require a waiting period after surgery (for example, 30 days after cataract surgery) before you can retest. Others will retest you when ready if your eye doctor confirms that your vision has stabilized.

Corrective lenses, contact lenses, and bioptic telescopes

If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the vision test. You will pass or fail based on your vision while wearing them. If you pass, your license will be marked with a restriction requiring you to wear corrective lenses while driving. This restriction applies to both glasses and contacts — you can switch between them, but you must wear one or the other every time you drive.

Some people wear bifocals or progressive lenses (no-line bifocals). These are allowed, and you can wear them during the test. If you wear contacts, make sure they are in your eyes and comfortable before you arrive at the DMV — the test will not be delayed if you need to adjust them.

A bioptic telescope is a special optical device that magnifies the center of your visual field. It is used by people with low vision (vision worse than 20/60 even with correction). If you use a bioptic telescope, you can wear it during the test. Some states allow bioptic telescope use for driving; others restrict it to daylight hours or local roads only. A few states do not allow it at all. Check your state's rules before purchasing one.

Renewing your license and vision retesting

When you renew your driver's license, you will take the vision test again. If your vision has changed, you may need new glasses or contacts, or your license restriction may change. If you have developed a new eye condition since your last renewal, disclose it to the DMV — some states ask about medical conditions on the renewal form, and others ask during the in-person appointment.

If you renew by mail or online (available in some states), you will not take a vision test. Your previous test result remains valid for the duration of your license. However, if your vision has changed significantly or you have developed a new eye condition, you should visit the DMV in person to be retested. Driving with vision that no longer meets the standard is unsafe and illegal.

Some states require vision retesting more frequently for older drivers or for people with certain medical conditions. For example, a state might require annual retesting for drivers over 85, or for drivers with a history of vision problems. Check your state's renewal rules to see if this applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to wear my glasses or contacts during the DMV vision test?

Yes, if you normally wear them. The test measures your vision with any correction you use. If you wear them during the test and pass, your license will require you to wear them while driving. If you do not wear them during the test but normally do, you will fail and be asked to retest while wearing them.

What if I have one eye that is much worse than the other?

Most states measure each eye separately and require the better eye to meet the minimum standard (usually 20/40). If your better eye meets the standard, you will pass. Your license will not be restricted unless you wear corrective lenses. If your better eye does not meet the standard even with correction, you will fail and may be denied a license or offered a restricted license.

Can I retest the same day if I fail the vision test?

No. Most states require a waiting period of 30 to 90 days before you can retest. This gives you time to see an eye care professional and correct the problem. A few states allow retesting after a shorter period (7 to 14 days) if you bring a letter from your eye doctor, but this is uncommon.

Will my license be suspended if I drive without my corrective lenses when they are required?

Driving without required corrective lenses is a violation and can result in a ticket. Depending on your state, it may also trigger a license suspension or require you to retake the vision test. If you are stopped by police and your license shows a corrective lens restriction, the officer can cite you for violating that restriction.

What if I have had cataract surgery or LASIK and my vision has changed?

Contact your state DMV to ask whether you need to retest before your license expires. Some states require retesting after eye surgery; others do not. If you retest and your vision has improved, your license may be updated to remove a previous restriction or to reflect your new vision status. Bring documentation from your eye surgeon showing the date of the procedure and your current vision.