What the vision test measures and how it works

The vision test at your DMV checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The test itself is straightforward: you look into a machine called a vision screener, read letters or numbers on a chart, and the examiner records what you can and cannot see clearly. Most states use the same basic setup — you cover one eye at a time and read progressively smaller lines until you reach the limit of what you can see.

The test measures your visual acuity, which is expressed as a fraction like 20/40 or 20/20. The first number is the distance you stand from the chart (20 feet). The second number is the distance at which a person with normal vision could read the same line. So 20/40 means you need to stand 20 feet away to read what someone with normal vision could read from 40 feet away. Most states require a minimum of 20/40 vision in at least one eye to get an unrestricted license, though some allow 20/60 with restrictions.

The examiner may also test your peripheral vision — how much you can see to the sides without moving your eyes — and your ability to distinguish colors. These tests take only a few minutes total and happen before you take the written or driving portion of the license exam.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye; if you fall short, you may still get a license with restrictions like "corrective lenses required."
  • Bring your glasses or contacts if you normally wear them, because the test measures your vision with correction if you use it.
  • If you fail the vision test, you can retake it at your next DMV visit, usually after waiting a few days or weeks depending on your state.
  • Some states allow you to take the test at an eye doctor's office instead of the DMV and bring the results with you.
  • Vision requirements vary by state and by license type — commercial driver's licenses have stricter standards than regular licenses.

What happens if you fail the vision test

Failing the vision test does not automatically disqualify you from getting a license. Most states will issue you a license with a restriction that reads "corrective lenses required" or similar language. This means you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive, and a police officer can cite you if you are stopped and not wearing them. The restriction appears on your license itself so law enforcement can see it when ready.

If your vision is worse than your state's minimum threshold even with correction, you will not be issued a license at that visit. You can retake the test after a waiting period — typically three to seven days, though this varies by state. Some people use this time to see an eye doctor and get a new prescription, which sometimes improves their test results enough to pass on the second attempt.

A few states allow you to have the vision test performed by your own eye doctor instead of at the DMV. If your state offers this option, you can bring a signed form from your optometrist or ophthalmologist showing your test results, and the DMV will accept it in place of their in-house screening. Check your state's DMV website to see whether this is available where you live.

How to prepare for the vision test

The most important step is to bring the correct eyewear. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The DMV tests your vision as you actually use it — if you normally drive with glasses, the test measures your vision while wearing them. If you have a new prescription you have not used yet, bring both your old and new glasses so you can choose which pair to wear for the test.

If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, let the examiner know before the test starts. Some vision screeners work better with certain lens types, and the examiner may adjust how you position yourself or ask you to look through a specific part of your lenses.

Beyond that, there is little to prepare. The test does not require studying or practice. If you have concerns about your vision — if you have noticed difficulty seeing road signs or oncoming headlights at night — schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist before your DMV appointment. A current prescription can make the difference between passing and failing, and an eye doctor can also identify conditions like cataracts or astigmatism that might affect your driving safety.

Vision requirements by license type

A standard passenger vehicle license typically requires 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without correction. Some states are stricter and require 20/30 or better. A few states allow 20/60 vision if you have no better option, but this usually comes with significant restrictions on when and where you can drive.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have much stricter requirements. Most states require 20/25 vision or better in each eye separately, and you cannot use certain types of correction — for example, some states do not allow contact lenses for CDL holders. If you are pursuing a CDL, check your state's specific standards before scheduling your medical exam, because failing the vision portion can delay your entire CDL process.

Motorcycle licenses sometimes have the same vision standard as passenger licenses, but a few states have slightly different rules. Check your state's DMV website for the specific requirement if you are getting a motorcycle endorsement.

What to do if you wear contacts or have had eye surgery

Contact lens wearers should wear their contacts to the vision test if they normally wear them while driving. The test measures your functional vision — the vision you actually have when you are behind the wheel. If you drive in contacts, test in contacts.

If you have had refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK, your vision may have changed since your last eye exam. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor a week or two before your DMV visit to get a current measurement. Some people find their vision improves after surgery and can pass without correction; others need a new prescription. Either way, you want to know before you show up at the DMV.

If you have had cataract surgery or a corneal transplant, bring documentation of the surgery and your current prescription. Some states flag these conditions in their system and may require additional testing or a doctor's clearance, though most will still issue a license if your vision meets the minimum standard.

Retesting and vision changes over time

If your vision has changed since your last license renewal, you may fail the test at your next renewal appointment. This is common as people age or if they have developed a new condition like myopia or presbyopia. You can retake the test when ready at most DMVs, or wait a few days and come back. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the vision test — you are only limited by the waiting period between attempts, which is usually three to seven days.

Some states require you to retake the vision test every time you renew your license. Others only test you if you are renewing after a long gap or if you have a medical condition flagged in their system. Check your state's renewal rules to know whether you will face the test again at your next renewal.

If you are concerned your vision may have declined, do not wait for your license renewal. Get an eye exam now. Driving with vision that is worse than your state's legal minimum is not only illegal — it puts you and others at risk. An eye doctor can prescribe correction that may bring you back into compliance, and you can update your license with a new restriction if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear sunglasses during the vision test?

No. The vision screener requires you to look directly into the machine with your eyes fully visible. If you wear prescription sunglasses, ask the examiner whether you can use them; most will say no and will ask you to use your regular glasses instead. If you only have prescription sunglasses, bring a note from your eye doctor explaining why you need them, though the DMV may still ask you to retake the test with regular glasses.

What if I cannot read English? Does the vision test still work?

Yes. Most DMVs use a vision screener with symbols or numbers instead of letters, so language is not a barrier. If your DMV uses a letter chart, ask the examiner for a symbol chart instead. The vision test itself measures only what you can see, not your ability to read or speak English.

Do I have to pass the vision test to get a learner's permit?

Yes. Most states require a vision test for a learner's permit, just as they do for a full license. The vision standard is usually the same — 20/40 or better in at least one eye. If you fail, you can retake it after the waiting period, just as with a full license.

What if I have one eye that is much worse than the other?

Most states test each eye separately and require that at least one eye meets the minimum standard. If your better eye is 20/20 and your worse eye is 20/100, you will pass because one eye qualifies. The examiner will note which eye is corrected and which is not, and your license may carry a restriction if you are using correction in one eye only.

Can I use my phone to look up the eye chart before my test?

You can look at sample charts online to get a sense of what the test looks like, but this will not help you pass if your vision does not meet the standard. The test measures your actual eyesight, not your familiarity with the chart. If you are worried about your vision, see an eye doctor instead.