The eye exam is a separate test from the written knowledge test, and you must pass it to get your license

The vision screening at the DMV checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. It is not the same as an eye doctor's full exam — the DMV test takes a few minutes and measures only what matters for road safety: how clearly you see straight ahead, and whether you have adequate peripheral (side) vision.

You will take this test on the same day as your written knowledge test, usually before or after it depending on your state's DMV workflow. The test is pass-or-fail, and you cannot retake it the same day if you fail. Most states require you to wait at least one day, sometimes longer, before you can come back and try again.

The specific machine and standards vary by state, but the basic requirement is the same everywhere: you must see at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the DMV will test you while wearing them, and your license will be restricted to "corrective lenses required" if you need them to meet the standard.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a vision screening to receive your driver's license, and it happens the same day as your written test at most DMV locations.
  • The minimum standard is 20/40 vision in at least one eye; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them because the test measures your vision with correction.
  • If you fail the vision test, you cannot retake it the same day — wait times before a retest range from one day to one week depending on your state.
  • Some states allow you to bring a recent eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist instead of taking the DMV screening, but you must ask ahead of time.

What the vision screening machine measures

The DMV uses a device called a vision screener or visual acuity tester. You look into the machine, focus on a target or letter chart inside, and the examiner records what you can see. The machine tests each eye separately, then both eyes together. The whole process takes about two to three minutes.

The test measures visual acuity — how sharply you see objects at a standard distance — and sometimes peripheral vision, which is your ability to see to the sides without moving your eyes. Some states also screen for color blindness, though this is less common and rarely results in a failed test unless you have severe red-green color blindness that would genuinely affect your ability to see traffic lights.

The standard is 20/40 vision, which means you can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 40 feet. You do not need perfect 20/20 vision. If you have 20/40 in one eye and worse in the other, you still pass. If both eyes together meet 20/40, you pass even if one eye is weaker.

Bringing glasses or contacts to the DMV

If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you. The DMV will test you while wearing them. Your vision is measured with correction in place, not without it. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, tell the examiner before the test starts so they know to position you correctly in front of the machine.

If you wear contact lenses, put them in before you arrive at the DMV. Do not plan to put them in at the office — you may not have a mirror or a clean surface, and the DMV staff cannot help you insert them. If a contact lens falls out during the test, you can ask to pause and reinsert it, but it is better to arrive with both lenses already in place.

If you pass the vision test while wearing glasses or contacts, your license will carry a restriction that reads "corrective lenses required" or similar wording depending on your state. This means you must wear those lenses every time you drive. Driving without them when the restriction is on your license is a violation in most states.

What happens if you fail the vision test

If you do not meet the 20/40 standard, you fail and cannot take the test again the same day. The DMV will tell you to return after a waiting period. That period varies: some states require one day, others require three to seven days. A few states allow you to retest when ready if you have a recent eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist showing you now meet the standard, but this is rare and you must ask at the time of your failed test.

Before you retake the test, you should see an eye doctor. If you failed because your vision has changed, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can prescribe new glasses or contacts. If you failed because you were not wearing your current correction, make sure you bring it the next time. Bring your glasses or contacts even if you think your vision is fine — the DMV will not assume you do not need them.

Some states allow you to submit a vision report from an eye care professional instead of retaking the DMV test. This report must be dated within a certain window (usually 30 to 90 days before your test date) and must state that you meet the vision standard for driving. Ask your DMV office whether this option is available in your state before you schedule a retest.

State-by-state vision standards and procedures

The 20/40 minimum is federal guidance, and all states follow it, but the details of how the test is given and what happens after a failure differ. Some states use a computerized vision screener; others use a traditional eye chart. Some states test color vision; most do not. Some states allow an eye doctor's report in place of the DMV test; others require the DMV test every time.

Before you go to the DMV, call your local office or check your state's DMV website to find out whether you can bring an eye exam from your optometrist instead of taking the DMV screening. If you have had an eye exam in the past month, this can save you time and money. If your state allows it, ask your eye doctor to provide a written report stating that you meet the vision standard for driving — bring this report with you when you go to the DMV.

A few states have different vision standards for different license types. For example, a commercial driver's license (CDL) may require 20/40 in each eye separately, not just in one eye or both together. If you are seeking a CDL, ask your DMV office about the specific standard before you test.

Common reasons people fail the vision test

The most common reason for failure is not wearing current glasses or contacts. If your prescription has changed since you last got glasses, the DMV test will catch it. If you have glasses at home but did not bring them, you will fail. If you wear contacts but forgot to put them in, you will fail. The solution is straightforward: bring whatever correction you normally wear when you drive.

The second common reason is anxiety or unfamiliarity with the machine. Some people tense up or have trouble focusing on the target inside the screener. If this happens to you, tell the examiner. They can explain how the machine works, let you practice focusing, and give you a moment to relax before the actual test. There is no penalty for asking for a moment to compose yourself.

A third reason, less common but real, is that your vision has genuinely declined and you need an updated prescription. If you have not had an eye exam in more than a year, or if you have noticed that you struggle to read street signs or see clearly at night, schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist before you go to the DMV. A new prescription can make the difference between passing and failing.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. Bring your ID and any documents the DMV asked you to bring for your written test. If you have a recent eye exam report from an eye doctor, bring that too — some states will accept it in place of the DMV screening, and it can be useful if you fail and need to retest.

On the day of your test, get enough sleep the night before. Tired eyes perform worse on vision tests. Avoid driving for long distances when ready before your DMV appointment, as this can strain your eyes. If you wear contacts, make sure they are clean and properly inserted. If you wear glasses, clean the lenses before you leave home.

If you have a medical condition that affects your vision — such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy — tell the DMV examiner before the test. This does not automatically disqualify you, but it helps the examiner understand your situation and may affect how they interpret the results. If your condition is severe enough that you cannot meet the 20/40 standard, you may not be able to get a regular driver's license, but some states offer restricted licenses for people with specific vision limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 and make the test impossible to complete. Remove them before you approach the machine. If you are sensitive to light, tell the examiner — they may be able to dim the room or adjust the machine slightly, though the test itself cannot be changed.

What if I wear bifocals or progressive lenses?

Tell the examiner before the test starts. They will position you so that you are looking through the correct part of your lenses. Progressive lenses can sometimes make it harder to focus on the target in the screener, so be patient and let the examiner know if you are having trouble seeing clearly.

Do I have to retake the vision test every time I renew my license?

Yes, in most states. Every time you renew, you will take a vision screening at the DMV. Some states allow you to skip the DMV test if you bring a recent eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, but you must ask ahead of time and the exam must be dated within the window your state allows.

What if I fail the vision test but I know I can see well enough to drive?

The DMV standard is 20/40 vision, and if you do not meet it, you do not pass, regardless of how you feel about your driving ability. The standard exists because research shows that people who cannot see at that level have higher accident rates. If you believe the test was wrong, see an eye doctor and get a professional opinion. If the eye doctor confirms you meet the standard, bring that report to the DMV and ask to retest or submit the report in place of the test.

Can I take the vision test without my glasses if I usually drive without them?

No. You must take the test the way you actually drive. If you wear glasses or contacts when you drive, wear them during the test. If you do not wear correction when you drive, you can take the test without it. The DMV will test you as you present yourself, and your license restriction will match how you tested.