You can get a vision test at an eye doctor's office, a DMV location, or sometimes at a pharmacy or health clinic
A vision test for your driver's license is a separate appointment from the written or driving test itself. You'll need to visit an eye care professional — an optometrist or ophthalmologist — or go directly to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location, which often has an eye exam station on-site. Some states also allow pharmacies like Walmart Vision Center or LensCrafters to perform the test. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely, and you'll receive a form or certificate to bring to your DMV appointment.
The three main routes — DMV, independent eye doctor, and retail vision center — differ in cost, wait time, and convenience. Your state's DMV website will tell you which options are available where you live and whether you need an appointment. Most people can complete a vision test within a few days to a week, depending on how quickly you can schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV website lists which locations offer vision testing and whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
- An independent eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) can perform the test, and you'll pay their standard exam fee, which varies widely by provider.
- Some states allow vision tests at retail locations like Walmart, CVS, or LensCrafters, which may be faster and cheaper than a traditional eye doctor.
- You must bring the completed vision test form or certificate to your DMV appointment; without it, you cannot complete your license process.
- If you fail the vision test, you can retake it after a waiting period that varies by state, usually 30 to 90 days.
Finding a DMV Vision Testing Location
Many DMV offices have an eye exam station where you can take the vision test during your license appointment or before it. Visit your state's DMV website and search for "vision testing" or "eye exam" to see which locations offer this service. Some DMV offices require you to schedule the vision test separately from your driving test, while others let you do both on the same day.
Call ahead to confirm whether the location you plan to visit has a vision testing station and whether you need an appointment. Wait times vary — some offices take walk-ins, while others book appointments weeks in advance. If your local DMV doesn't offer vision testing, the website will direct you to the nearest location that does. Testing at the DMV is usually free or costs $10 to $20.
Getting a Vision Test From an Eye Doctor
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can perform your driver's license vision test. You can find one through your health insurance provider's website, by searching online for "optometrist near me," or by asking your primary care doctor for a referral. When you call to schedule, tell them you need a vision test for your driver's license — this is a standard request and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
The cost depends on the provider and your location. An independent eye doctor's exam typically costs between $50 and $150, though prices vary. If you have vision insurance, some of the cost may be covered. Ask about the fee when you call to schedule. After the test, the eye doctor will give you a form or certificate showing the results — bring this to your DMV appointment.
Vision Testing at Retail Locations
Some states allow vision tests at retail vision centers inside pharmacies and big-box stores. Walmart Vision Center, CVS Vision, Costco Optical, and LensCrafters all perform driver's license vision tests in many states. These locations are often faster to schedule than independent eye doctors and may charge less — typically $30 to $80 for the test alone.
Check your state's DMV website to see whether retail vision centers are approved in your state. If they are, you can call ahead to schedule or sometimes walk in. The process is the same: you'll take the test, receive a form or certificate, and bring it to your DMV appointment. Not all retail locations in all states are approved, so confirm before you go.
What Happens During the Vision Test
The vision test for a driver's license is brief and straightforward. You'll sit in front of a machine or chart and read letters or numbers at different sizes. The eye care professional will check your vision in each eye separately and together. They'll also check your peripheral vision (side vision) and your ability to see colors, depending on your state's requirements.
Most states require you to see at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contact lenses. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test — your license will note that you must wear them while driving. The entire test takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a form or certificate when ready showing whether you passed.
Bringing Your Vision Test Results to the DMV
After you pass the vision test, you'll receive a form, certificate, or printout showing the results. This document is required to complete your driver's license process at the DMV. Bring it with you to your appointment along with your other required documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and any other documents your state requires).
If the eye care provider mails the results to the DMV instead of giving them to you, confirm this with them before you leave. Some providers can submit results electronically, which speeds up the process. If you're unsure whether your DMV received the results, call ahead before your appointment to check.
What to Do If You Fail the Vision Test
If you don't meet your state's vision requirements, you can retake the test after a waiting period. Most states require you to wait 30 to 90 days before retesting, though some allow you to retake it when ready at a different location. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out the waiting period and retesting rules.
If you failed because you weren't wearing your glasses or contacts, make sure to wear them when you retake the test. If you failed even with corrective lenses, talk to an eye doctor about whether your prescription needs updating or whether there's an underlying vision problem. Some states offer restricted licenses for people who don't meet standard vision requirements but can still drive safely under certain conditions — ask the DMV whether this option is available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment for a vision test, or can I just walk in?
It depends on the provider. DMV offices vary — some take walk-ins for vision testing, while others require appointments. Independent eye doctors usually require appointments and may have a wait. Retail vision centers often accept walk-ins but may have shorter wait times if you call ahead. Check your specific location's policy before you go.
Can I use an old vision test from my eye doctor, or does it have to be recent?
Most states require the vision test to be current — typically within 30 to 60 days of your DMV appointment. An old test won't count. Check your state's DMV website for the exact timeframe, or ask when you schedule your test.
What if I wear glasses or contacts — do I have to take the test with them on?
Yes. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the vision test. Your license will be marked to show that you must wear them while driving. If you don't wear them during the test but normally do while driving, your license won't reflect that requirement, which could cause legal problems.
How much does a vision test for a driver's license cost?
Costs vary by provider and location. A DMV vision test is usually free or costs $10 to $20. An independent eye doctor typically charges $50 to $150. Retail vision centers usually charge $30 to $80. Call ahead to ask about the fee before you schedule.
Can I get my vision test and driving test on the same day?
Yes, at many DMV locations. You can often schedule both appointments for the same day, or do the vision test first and the driving test later. Some DMV offices let you do the vision test while you wait for your driving test appointment. Call your local DMV to ask about their scheduling options.