The eye chart test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely

When you go in for your driver's license exam, you will read letters or symbols on a chart from a set distance — usually 20 feet away. The examiner is checking whether your vision meets your state's minimum standard, which is almost always 20/40 or better in at least one eye. If you wear glasses or contacts, you will take the test with them on, and your license will be marked to show that correction is required.

The test itself takes less than a minute. You stand or sit in front of the chart, cover one eye, and read the smallest line you can see clearly. Then you do the same with the other eye. The examiner records what you can read and whether you passed. If you cannot meet the standard even with correction, most states will not issue you a license, though a few offer restricted licenses for people with severe vision loss.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye, measured with any glasses or contacts you normally wear while driving.
  • If you wear correction, bring your glasses or contacts to the exam — the test measures your vision with them on, not without them.
  • Failing the eye chart test does not automatically disqualify you; you can retake it at a later appointment after seeing an eye doctor.
  • Some states use a Snellen chart with letters, while others use a Landolt C chart with broken rings; the principle is the same either way.
  • If you have a condition like cataracts or severe astigmatism that cannot be corrected to the legal standard, you may be denied a license or offered a restricted one.

What the 20/40 standard actually means

The fraction 20/40 means you can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet. In other words, your vision is half as sharp as the standard. This is the threshold most states use because research shows it is sharp enough to read road signs, see pedestrians, and react to hazards in time.

If you have 20/20 vision, you see the smallest line on the chart clearly. If you have 20/50, you can only read letters that are larger, which means you do not meet the standard and cannot be licensed in most states. The test measures each eye separately because you only need to meet the standard in one eye — if your left eye is 20/40 and your right eye is 20/100, you still pass.

Bringing glasses or contacts to your exam

If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, wear them to the eye chart test. The examiner will test your vision with them on. Your license will then carry a restriction code — usually printed as "Corrective Lenses Required" or similar — that means you must wear them every time you drive.

If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, tell the examiner before the test starts. Some people find it harder to read the chart through the lower part of the lens, and the examiner may ask you to tilt your head or adjust your position. This is normal and does not affect whether you pass.

If you have recently changed your prescription, get new glasses or contacts before your exam. An outdated prescription may cause you to fail a test you would otherwise pass. If you are unsure whether your current prescription is still accurate, visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist before your appointment.

What happens if you fail the eye chart test

Failing the eye chart test does not mean you cannot get a license. You can schedule another exam after you have seen an eye doctor. If your vision can be corrected to 20/40 or better with new glasses or contacts, you will pass on your next attempt.

If your vision cannot be corrected to the legal standard — for example, because you have a condition like macular degeneration or severe cataracts — you will not be issued a regular license. Some states offer a restricted license that limits when or where you can drive, such as daytime driving only or driving within a certain distance of home. Other states deny the license outright. The rules vary by state, so ask your examiner what options exist if you do not meet the standard.

Different types of eye charts used by states

Most states use a Snellen chart, which displays rows of letters that get smaller from top to bottom. You read the smallest line you can see clearly, and the examiner records which line that is. This is the most common chart in the United States.

Some states use a Landolt C chart, which shows broken rings instead of letters. The rings have a gap in different positions, and you tell the examiner which direction the gap points. This chart is used less often in the U.S. but is standard in some other countries.

A few states use a Tumbling E chart, which shows the letter E in different orientations, and you indicate which direction the E is pointing. Regardless of which chart your state uses, the principle is the same: the examiner is measuring the smallest text size you can read from 20 feet away.

Color blindness and the eye exam

Most states do not test for color blindness as part of the standard eye chart exam. However, some states may screen for it using an Ishihara test — a chart with colored dots that form numbers or shapes. Color blindness alone does not disqualify you from driving in any state, because you can navigate traffic using the position of traffic lights (red on top, green on bottom) rather than color.

If you are color blind and concerned about how it might affect your driving, you can ask the examiner whether your state tests for it. In the rare case that your state does test and you fail, ask what the next step is — most likely, you will still receive your license.

Preparing for your eye chart test

Get a good night's sleep before your exam. Tired eyes may not perform as well on the chart, and you could fail a test you would pass when rested. If you wear glasses, clean them before you go in so smudges do not blur your vision.

If you have had recent eye surgery, cataract removal, or a change in prescription, schedule your exam at least a week after the procedure or change so your vision has time to stabilize. If you are taking new medications that affect your vision, mention this to the examiner.

Arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushed. The eye chart test is quick, but you want to be calm and focused when you take it. If you are nervous, take a few deep breaths before stepping up to the chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear sunglasses during the eye chart test?

No. You must remove sunglasses and any tinted lenses. The examiner needs to see your eyes clearly and needs you to see the chart without any obstruction. If you have light sensitivity, mention it to the examiner — they may dim the lights or adjust the chart's position.

What if I cannot read the chart because I am nervous?

Tell the examiner you are nervous. They can give you a moment to relax before starting. If you genuinely cannot read the chart due to anxiety, you can ask to reschedule and try again another day. Failing once does not count against you.

Do I have to pass the eye chart test to get a learner's permit?

Yes. Most states require you to pass the eye chart test before issuing any type of driver's license or permit, including a learner's permit. The vision standard is the same for both.

What if one of my eyes is much worse than the other?

As long as one eye meets the 20/40 standard, you pass. The examiner tests each eye separately and records the results for both. You do not need equal vision in both eyes to be licensed.

Can I retake the eye chart test if I fail?

Yes. You can schedule another exam after seeing an eye doctor. If your vision improves with a new prescription, you can pass on your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.