What the vision test measures and why it matters

The vision test is a separate, required part of your driver's license exam in every state. It happens before you take the written test or road test, and you must pass it to move forward. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely — specifically your visual acuity (how sharp your sight is), your ability to see to the sides, and sometimes your color vision.

You will look into a machine called a vision screener or eye chart machine, read letters or symbols at different sizes, and answer questions about what you see. The whole thing takes about two to five minutes. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test — the examiner is checking your vision with your correction, not without it.

States set their own passing score, but most require you to see at least 20/40 in each eye, or 20/60 in one eye if your other eye is 20/20 or better. If you fail, you usually get a second chance the same day or can return another time. Failing the vision test does not disqualify you from getting a license, but you may need to see an eye doctor first.

Key Takeaways

  • The vision test happens at the start of your license exam and you must pass it before taking the written or road test.
  • You will read letters or symbols in a machine; the test takes a few minutes and checks how sharp your sight is and how well you see to the sides.
  • Wear your glasses or contacts if you normally do — the test measures your vision with correction, not without it.
  • Each state sets its own passing score, but most require 20/40 vision or better; if you fail, you can usually try again the same day or return later.
  • If you fail the vision test, you may need an eye doctor's report before you can get your license, depending on your state.

How the vision screener works

When you sit down at the vision machine, the examiner will ask you to look into the eyepieces and focus on the letters or symbols inside. The machine shows you characters at different sizes, getting smaller as you go. You read them aloud, and the machine records how small the letters can be before you cannot read them accurately.

The examiner may also test your peripheral vision — how well you see to the sides without moving your eyes. This is often done by asking you to look straight ahead while the examiner holds up fingers or objects at the edge of your vision and asks if you can see them. Some states also check color vision to make sure you can see red and green traffic lights clearly.

If you make mistakes, the examiner will note them. A few errors are normal and usually do not cause you to fail. The machine calculates your visual acuity based on how many characters you read correctly at each size level.

What happens if you wear glasses or contacts

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to your license exam and wear them during the vision test. The examiner needs to know your vision with correction because that is what you will be using to drive. Your license will be marked with a restriction code if you are required to wear correction — usually a code like "corrective lenses" or "glasses required."

If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, tell the examiner before the test starts. They may adjust how you look into the machine or ask you to position your head differently so you are looking through the right part of your lenses. If you wear contacts in only one eye, wear that contact during the test.

If you forget your glasses or contacts on exam day, you can usually reschedule and come back another time. Some states allow you to take the test without correction if you want to, but if you fail, you will need to return with your glasses or contacts and pass again.

Passing and failing scores by state

Vision requirements vary by state, and each state publishes its own minimum standard. Most states require 20/40 vision in each eye, or 20/60 in one eye if the other eye is 20/20 or better. A few states allow 20/50 or 20/60 in each eye. Some states also have rules about how much your vision can differ between your two eyes.

The best way to find your state's exact requirement is to check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call your local DMV office. They can tell you the specific numbers and whether there are any exceptions or waivers available. If you are close to the passing score, ask the examiner whether you can take the test again the same day.

If you fail the vision test, your state will tell you what to do next. Some states let you retake it when ready. Others require you to see an eye doctor and bring a report showing that you meet the state's vision standard before you can try again. A few states allow you to request a waiver if you have a medical reason for not meeting the standard, but waivers are uncommon.

What to do if you fail the vision test

Failing the vision test is not the end of the process. Most states allow you to retake it the same day or schedule another appointment within a few days. If you fail a second time, your state will usually require you to see an eye doctor before you can try again.

When you see an eye doctor, bring a copy of your state's vision requirement — you can print this from your DMV website or ask the DMV office for a form. The eye doctor will perform a full exam and give you a report stating whether you meet your state's standard. Some states have a specific form the eye doctor must fill out; ask your DMV which form to bring.

Once you have the eye doctor's report, return to the DMV with it and take the vision test again. If the report confirms you meet the standard, you should pass. If the report shows you do not meet the standard, you may not be able to get a license, or you may be limited to driving only during daylight hours or within a certain distance of your home — restrictions vary by state.

Preparing for the vision test

If you wear glasses or contacts, the most important step is to bring them with you. Make sure your glasses are clean and your contacts are fresh. If your prescription is more than a year old, consider getting an eye exam before your license exam — an outdated prescription could cause you to fail.

Get a good night's sleep before your exam. Tired eyes can make it harder to read small letters accurately. On the day of the test, eat a normal meal and avoid straining your eyes for an hour or two before you go to the DMV.

If you are nervous about the test, remember that it is a straightforward measurement, not a judgment. You either see the letters or you do not. The examiner is not trying to trick you. Read each letter carefully, and if you are not sure, it is better to say you cannot read it than to guess.

Vision test restrictions on your license

If you pass the vision test but your vision is at the lower end of the passing range, or if you wear correction, your license may carry a restriction code. The most common restriction is "corrective lenses required," which means you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive. Driving without them when this restriction is on your license is a violation.

Some states add other restrictions based on vision, such as "daylight driving only" or "no highway driving." These are rare and usually only appear if you have very poor vision in one eye or a medical condition affecting your sight. The DMV will explain any restrictions on your license when you receive it.

If you get a restriction you do not think is fair, you can request a hearing or ask to retake the vision test. Some states also allow you to challenge a restriction if your vision improves after an eye surgery or new prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the vision test without my glasses or contacts?

You can, but the test measures your vision with correction if you normally wear it. If you fail without correction, you will need to return with your glasses or contacts and pass again. Most people take the test with their correction the first time to avoid a second trip.

What if I cannot read the letters in the vision machine?

Tell the examiner you cannot see them. Do not guess. The examiner will note which letters you miss and calculate your score based on what you could read. If you miss too many, you fail that eye and may need to retake the test or see an eye doctor.

Do I have to pass the vision test on my first try?

No. Most states let you retake the vision test the same day or within a few days if you fail. If you fail twice, you usually need an eye doctor's report before you can try again. The exact rules depend on your state.

Will a vision restriction on my license affect my insurance?

A restriction like "corrective lenses required" is a standard safety measure and should not affect your insurance rates. However, if you are caught driving without your correction when the restriction is on your license, that violation could affect your rates.

What if my vision is worse in one eye than the other?

Most states test each eye separately and have rules about how much difference is allowed. Some require both eyes to meet the standard; others allow one eye to be weaker if the other eye is strong enough. Your state's DMV website will explain the exact rule.