The vision test is a separate requirement you must pass before taking the written or road test

Texas requires you to pass a vision screening at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office before you can move forward with your written test or road test. This is not part of the written exam itself — it happens first, in the waiting area or at a dedicated station, and takes about two minutes.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance, usually about 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, though some locations may ask you to return another time.

Knowing what the test involves and what happens if you do not pass helps you prepare and understand what to bring to your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • The vision test happens at the DPS office before your written test and measures how clearly you can see letters or numbers on a chart from 20 feet away.
  • You must see at least 20/40 in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other, to pass and move forward with licensing.
  • Wear your glasses or contacts during the test if you use them for driving, because the test measures your vision with correction.
  • If you fail the vision test, you can usually retake it the same day, but you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a new vision report to pass on a second attempt.

What the vision test measures and how it works

The DPS vision test uses a chart with letters or numbers of decreasing size. You stand or sit at a marked distance — typically 20 feet — and read the smallest line you can see clearly. The examiner records what you can read in each eye separately, starting with your right eye, then your left.

The test is looking for visual acuity, which is written as a fraction like 20/40 or 20/20. The top number is always 20 (the distance you stand from the chart). The bottom number is the distance at which a person with normal vision could read that same line. So 20/40 means you have to stand 20 feet away to read what someone with normal vision could read from 40 feet away.

Texas law requires a minimum of 20/40 vision in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye. If you meet this standard, you pass and move on to the written test. If you do not, you will be told you failed and given options for what to do next.

Bringing glasses or contacts to your appointment

If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them to your DPS appointment. The vision test measures your vision with correction — meaning with your glasses or contacts in place. This is the vision you will actually have while driving, so it is what Texas measures.

If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, let the examiner know. They may ask you to look through different parts of the lens to make sure you can see clearly at the distance needed for driving.

If you do not normally wear glasses or contacts but think you might need them, consider seeing an eye doctor before your appointment. You cannot take the vision test twice in one day if you fail — you will need to return with a new vision report from an eye care professional.

What happens if you fail the vision test

If you do not meet the 20/40 standard, the DPS will not let you take the written test that day. You will receive a notice explaining that you failed and what your options are.

To move forward, you must see an eye doctor — an optometrist or ophthalmologist — and get a vision report. The eye doctor will test your vision and write a report stating whether you meet the Texas standard. Some eye doctors can provide this report the same day; others may take a few days. The report must be dated and signed by the eye care professional.

Once you have the report, return to the DPS office with it. The examiner will review the report. If the eye doctor confirms you meet the 20/40 standard (with glasses or contacts if you use them), you can take the written test that same visit. If the report shows you do not meet the standard, you cannot get a license until your vision improves or you explore other options with your eye doctor.

Vision requirements for different license types

The 20/40 standard applies to all driver's license types in Texas — learner's permit, Class C (regular passenger vehicle), and commercial licenses. However, commercial licenses have additional vision requirements beyond the basic acuity test.

For a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must also pass a field of vision test, which checks how wide your peripheral vision is. You must have at least 70 degrees of vision in each eye. The DPS will perform this test if you are explore for a CDL, and it uses a different machine than the standard acuity test.

If you are renewing a license rather than getting one for the first time, you may be asked to take a vision test again, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last test. Texas requires vision retesting for drivers over 79 years old every two years.

Corrective lenses restrictions on your license

If you pass the vision test only while wearing glasses or contacts, your license will have a restriction code printed on it. The restriction will say something like "Corrective lenses required" or show the code "01" for glasses and "02" for contacts. This means you are legally required to wear your correction while driving.

If you are pulled over and not wearing your required glasses or contacts, you can be cited for a violation. If you later have eye surgery or your vision improves without correction, you can return to the DPS and take the vision test again without your correction. If you pass, you can request that the restriction be removed from your license.

Preparing for your vision test appointment

Arrive at the DPS office with your glasses or contacts if you wear them. Bring your completed process form and any documents the DPS requires for your license type — usually your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm what documents your local office needs, because requirements can vary slightly by location.

If you have had recent eye surgery or a significant change in your vision, mention this to the examiner. If you are colorblind, this does not automatically disqualify you, but let the examiner know so they can note it. The vision test itself does not test for color blindness, but some examiners may ask follow-up questions if they notice difficulty with the chart.

Plan to arrive early. Vision testing is usually quick, but DPS offices can have wait times, especially on busy days. Bring a book or phone to pass the time if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the vision test if I have had LASIK or cataract surgery?

Yes. If your surgery was recent, your vision may still be stabilizing, so you might want to wait a few weeks before testing. Bring any paperwork from your eye surgeon to your DPS appointment so the examiner knows about the procedure. Your vision will be measured as it is on the day of the test, whether or not you have had surgery.

What if I fail the vision test but my eye doctor says I can drive safely?

The DPS uses the 20/40 standard, and your eye doctor's opinion does not override it. However, your eye doctor can provide a detailed report explaining your vision and any special circumstances. Bring this report to the DPS office. If your vision does not meet 20/40, you will need to explore options with your eye doctor, such as a different prescription or treatment, before you can get a license.

Do I have to take the vision test again when I renew my license?

Not always. Drivers under 79 usually do not retake the vision test at renewal unless there is a reason to — such as a medical condition or a change in your license type. Drivers 79 and older must take the vision test every two years. Check with your local DPS office about whether you need a test for your specific renewal.

What if I wear contacts but want to drive with glasses instead?

You can take the vision test with whichever correction you plan to use while driving. If you pass with glasses, your license will show a restriction for glasses. If you later want to switch to contacts, you can retake the vision test wearing contacts. If you pass, you can request a new license without the glasses restriction.

Is there a vision standard for motorcycle licenses?

Yes. Motorcycle licenses (Class M) have the same 20/40 vision requirement as regular driver's licenses. You will take the same vision test at the DPS office before you can take the motorcycle written test or skills test.