You'll take a vision screening at the DMV, usually before your written test

Every state requires an eye exam before you get your driver's license. The DMV gives this test — it's not something you arrange separately with an optometrist. The exam happens at your local DMV office, typically takes just a few minutes, and checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You don't need to study for it, but you do need to know what to expect and what happens if you don't pass.

The vision screening is straightforward. You'll look into a machine called a vision screener or autorefractor, read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance, and sometimes identify colors or test your peripheral vision. The DMV staff member will record your results, and if you pass, you move forward with your license process. If you don't pass, you'll be told what to do next.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV administers the vision test as part of your license process — you cannot pass it elsewhere and bring results in.
  • You must meet your state's minimum vision standard, which is usually 20/40 or better in at least one eye, though standards vary by state.
  • If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you; the test measures your vision with correction if you normally use it.
  • Failing the vision test does not disqualify you permanently — you can get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and return to the DMV with a corrective lens prescription.
  • Some states allow you to retake the vision test at the DMV the same day or within a short window after getting glasses.

What the vision test measures

The DMV vision test checks your visual acuity — how clearly you can see — and sometimes your ability to see colors and objects to the side of your central vision. The most common measurement is the 20/40 standard, meaning you can see at 20 feet what a person with standard vision sees at 40 feet. Some states use 20/50 or 20/60 as their threshold, depending on the license type. A few states also test for color blindness, particularly red-green color blindness, since traffic signals are red and green.

The test does not measure whether you need glasses or contacts — it measures how well you see with whatever correction you're already using. If you wear glasses or contacts every day, wear them to the DMV. If you wear them sometimes, ask yourself honestly: do you wear them when you drive? If yes, wear them to the test. The DMV is testing your actual driving vision, not your best possible vision.

Peripheral vision — what you can see to the sides without moving your eyes — is tested in some states. This matters because driving requires you to notice movement and objects outside your direct line of sight. The test is quick and usually involves identifying objects or lights that appear in your side vision while you focus straight ahead.

Bringing glasses or contacts to the DMV

If you wear corrective lenses, bring them. The DMV will test your vision with them on. If you wear contact lenses, you can wear them during the test. If you wear glasses, wear them or bring them; the DMV staff will let you put them on before the screener. Do not guess about whether to wear them — if you wear them while driving, wear them to the test.

If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, let the DMV staff know. They may adjust how you look into the vision screener to account for the different lens zones. This takes a few extra seconds and ensures an accurate result.

If you've recently gotten new glasses or contacts and aren't sure they're the right prescription, get them checked by an eye doctor before your DMV appointment. A wrong prescription can cause you to fail the vision test, and you'll have to return after getting the prescription corrected.

What happens if you fail the vision test

Failing the DMV vision test does not mean you cannot get a license. It means you need a corrective lens prescription from an eye doctor. Schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, get an eye exam, and obtain a prescription for glasses or contacts. Many people fail the DMV test straightforward because they didn't realize they needed correction.

Once you have a prescription, you have two options. Some states allow you to return to the DMV the same day or within a few days and retake the vision test with your new glasses or contacts. Other states require you to bring a signed statement from your eye doctor confirming that your vision meets the state standard with correction. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out which applies to you.

If you get glasses or contacts and pass the vision test on your second attempt, you'll move forward with your license process. Your license will carry a restriction code indicating that you must wear corrective lenses while driving. This is not a problem — it straightforward means the DMV has noted that your license is valid only when you're wearing the glasses or contacts you were tested with.

Vision standards by license type

Most states have the same vision requirement for all driver's license types — usually 20/40 or better. However, some states set different standards for a regular passenger vehicle license versus a commercial driver's license (CDL). A CDL typically requires better vision, often 20/40 in each eye separately, whereas a regular license may allow 20/40 in one eye if the other eye is worse.

A few states have special provisions for drivers with very limited vision. If you have significant vision loss but still meet the minimum standard, you may be issued a license with restrictions — for example, daylight driving only or no highway driving. These restrictions appear on your license and are legally binding.

If you're unsure whether your vision will meet your state's standard, contact your local DMV office before your appointment. They can tell you the exact requirement and whether you should see an eye doctor first.

Preparing for your vision test

Get a good night's sleep before your DMV appointment. Tired eyes can perform worse on a vision test, and you want your results to be accurate. If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure they're clean — smudges or dust can affect the test. If you wear contacts, may support they're properly inserted and comfortable before you arrive.

Arrive at the DMV with plenty of time before your appointment. Vision tests are quick, but you don't want to rush. If you're anxious about the test, remember that it's not a pass-or-fail gate to driving — it's a safety check. The DMV wants to make sure you can see the road, and if you can't yet, they'll tell you how to fix it.

Bring your current glasses or contacts even if you think your vision might have changed. The DMV will test you with what you have, and if you don't pass, you'll know you need an updated prescription. Do not skip the vision test or try to reschedule it — it's a required step, and getting it done moves you closer to your license.

Restrictions and endorsements on your license

If you pass the vision test only with glasses or contacts, your license will include a restriction code. Common codes include "B" (corrective lenses required) or "01" (corrective lenses required), though the exact code varies by state. This restriction is not a limitation on where you can drive — it straightforward means you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive.

Driving without the required correction when your license says you need it is a violation in every state. It's not a major offense, but it can result in a ticket and fine. More importantly, it's unsafe. If your vision test showed you need correction, you need it for a reason — to see hazards, read signs, and react to traffic.

If your vision changes after you get your license, you can update your restriction at your next renewal or by visiting the DMV. If you get better vision through new glasses or contacts, you can request that the restriction be removed. If your vision gets worse, you may need to add a restriction or take another vision test to confirm you still meet the minimum standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the vision test without glasses if I normally wear them while driving?

You can, but you shouldn't. The DMV tests your actual driving vision. If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, wear them to the test. Testing without them when you normally use them will give a false result and may cause you to fail unnecessarily.

What if I fail the vision test twice, even with new glasses?

If you fail twice with corrected vision, your state's DMV may require additional documentation from an eye doctor or may restrict your license to certain conditions (like daylight driving only). Contact your DMV office to discuss your options. Some states also allow you to request a manual vision test instead of the machine screener if you have difficulty using the equipment.

Do I need to bring proof of my eye exam to the DMV?

This depends on your state. Some states accept your word that you're wearing a current prescription; others require a signed statement from your eye doctor. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to find out what documentation you need to bring if you fail the first test.

Can I wear sunglasses during the vision test?

No. The vision screener requires you to look directly into the machine, and sunglasses will block the light. Remove them before the test. If you have light sensitivity, mention it to the DMV staff — they may be able to adjust the lighting or give you a moment to adapt.

What if I'm colorblind — will I fail the vision test?

Most states do not automatically fail you for colorblindness. However, some states test for red-green colorblindness because traffic signals use red and green. If you're colorblind, you can still drive — you'll learn to identify traffic signals by position (red is on top, green is on bottom) rather than color. Ask your DMV if they test for colorblindness and what the result means for your license.