The eye test measures your vision and color perception to make sure you can see the road safely

The vision screening at the DMV tests whether you can see clearly enough to drive. It is not a full eye exam like you would get at an optometrist's office. The DMV test checks your visual acuity (how sharp your sight is), your peripheral vision (what you can see to the sides), and sometimes your ability to see colors and distinguish red and green traffic lights.

Most states require you to read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance — usually 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you will wear them during the test. The examiner will also check whether you have any vision problems that would make you unsafe to drive, such as severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or color blindness that affects traffic light recognition.

You cannot pass the written knowledge test or move forward with your license without passing the vision screening first. It happens before or alongside the written test, depending on your state's DMV process.

Key Takeaways

  • The vision test checks how clearly you can see at a distance and whether you can see colors and objects to the sides of your vision.
  • You will wear your glasses or contacts during the test if you normally wear them while driving.
  • Each state sets its own minimum vision standard, and some states are stricter than others about what vision problems disqualify you.
  • If you fail the vision test, you can retake it after a waiting period, or you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a report to the DMV.
  • Corrective lenses restrictions on your license mean you must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive.

What the vision test actually measures

The standard test uses a Snellen chart or similar tool with rows of letters that get smaller as you read down. You stand or sit about 20 feet away and read the smallest line you can see clearly. The examiner records your result as a fraction — for example, 20/40 means you see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 40 feet.

Most states require a minimum of 20/40 vision in at least one eye, though some require 20/30 or better. A few states allow 20/50 or 20/60 with a restriction on your license limiting where or when you can drive. The exact standard depends on your state and the type of license you are seeking (a commercial driver license has stricter requirements than a regular passenger vehicle license).

The test also checks your peripheral vision — the ability to see objects and movement to the sides without moving your eyes. You may be asked to look straight ahead while the examiner holds up fingers or objects at the edges of your vision field and asks if you can see them. Some states use a machine called a visual field screener for this part.

Color vision testing is less common but does happen in some states. The examiner may show you colored plates or ask you to identify the color of traffic lights. This is mainly to catch severe color blindness that would make it unsafe to recognize red stop lights or green go signals.

Preparing for the vision test

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the DMV. Wear them during the test if you normally wear them while driving. If you only wear them sometimes, tell the examiner — they may note a restriction on your license requiring you to wear them at all times.

If you have had recent changes to your vision or are unsure whether you will pass, consider visiting an eye doctor before your DMV appointment. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can tell you whether your vision meets your state's standard and can provide a written report if you need one for the DMV.

On the day of the test, make sure you are well-rested and not tired or stressed, as these can affect how you perform. Bring your glasses or contacts case in case you need to adjust them during the test.

What happens if you fail the vision test

If your vision does not meet your state's minimum standard, you will not pass the test. The DMV will tell you the result and explain what happens next. In most states, you have two options: retake the test after a waiting period (usually 24 hours to a few days), or get a report from an eye doctor and bring it to the DMV.

Some states allow you to retake the vision test when ready or the same day. Others require you to wait and come back. Check your state's DMV website or ask the examiner what the waiting period is before you leave.

If you bring a report from an eye doctor, it must show that you meet your state's vision standard with or without correction (glasses or contacts). The report should include your visual acuity in each eye and note whether you have any conditions that would affect safe driving. The DMV will review the report and may ask you to retake the test at the DMV to confirm.

Corrective lens restrictions on your license

If you pass the vision test only while wearing glasses or contacts, your license will carry a corrective lens restriction. This means you are legally required to wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive. Driving without them when your license has this restriction is a violation and can result in a ticket.

Some states also add restrictions for other vision issues — for example, a restriction limiting you to daytime driving only if you have poor night vision, or a restriction limiting highway speeds if you have limited peripheral vision. These restrictions appear on the front or back of your license.

If your vision improves (for example, after eye surgery), you can request a new license without the restriction by passing the vision test again at the DMV.

Vision standards by state

Vision requirements vary by state. Most states require 20/40 vision in at least one eye, but some are stricter. A few examples: California requires 20/40 in at least one eye; New York requires 20/40 in each eye or 20/30 in one eye with 20/60 in the other; Florida requires 20/40 in at least one eye. Some states allow corrected vision (with glasses) to meet the standard, while others require uncorrected vision to be closer to normal.

Commercial driver license (CDL) standards are stricter across all states. Most require 20/25 vision in each eye, with some allowing 20/40 in one eye if the other is 20/25 or better. If you are seeking a CDL, your vision test will be more thorough and may include additional checks for color blindness and peripheral vision.

Check your state's DMV website for the exact vision standard that applies to you. The standard may also depend on whether you are a new driver, renewing your license, or upgrading to a different license class.

Common reasons people fail the vision test

The most common reason for failing is uncorrected or under-corrected vision — you need glasses or contacts but are not wearing them, or your prescription is outdated. If you have not had your eyes checked in more than a year, or if your vision has changed recently, get an eye exam before your DMV appointment.

Other reasons include eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, or severe astigmatism that affect how clearly you can see. Some medications can also affect vision temporarily. If you have a known eye condition, bring documentation from your eye doctor to the DMV so the examiner understands your situation.

Nervousness or fatigue can also affect your performance on the test. If you are tired or anxious, ask if you can take a short break before the test, or ask to retake it another day if your state allows it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to wear my glasses during the vision test if I normally wear them while driving?

Yes. Wear your glasses or contacts during the test if you normally wear them while driving. The DMV wants to test your actual driving vision, not your uncorrected vision. If you pass while wearing them, your license will have a corrective lens restriction requiring you to wear them every time you drive.

What is the difference between 20/40 and 20/20 vision?

20/20 means you see clearly at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet. 20/40 means you see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 40 feet — your vision is less sharp. Most states allow 20/40 as the minimum for a regular driver license, but some require 20/30 or better.

Can I retake the vision test the same day if I fail?

It depends on your state. Some DMVs allow you to retake the test when ready or later the same day. Others require you to wait 24 hours or longer before retaking it. Ask the examiner what your state's policy is before you leave the DMV.

What if I have an eye condition like color blindness or astigmatism?

Mild to moderate color blindness or astigmatism may not disqualify you, depending on how it affects your ability to see traffic lights and the road. Bring a report from your eye doctor explaining your condition and whether it affects safe driving. The DMV will review it and may still require you to pass the vision test.

Do I need a new eye exam before my DMV appointment?

Not required, but recommended if your vision has changed recently, you have not had an eye exam in over a year, or you are unsure whether you will pass the DMV test. An eye doctor can tell you whether your vision meets your state's standard and can provide a report if you need one for the DMV.