What you see on a driver's license eye chart

The eye chart at the DMV is not the same as the one at an eye doctor's office. The DMV chart tests whether you can read letters and numbers from a specific distance — usually 20 feet away — to make sure you can see road signs and hazards while driving. The letters get smaller as you move down the chart, and you read them one line at a time.

Most states use a chart called a Snellen chart, which has a large letter at the top (usually an E) and progressively smaller lines below. You stand or sit at a marked distance and read aloud what you see. The examiner records which line you can read clearly with each eye, and sometimes both eyes together. This measurement becomes part of your driving record and may appear on your license as a restriction or note.

The test takes only a few minutes and is one of the first things the DMV does before you take a written or driving test. If you fail, you may not be allowed to drive until you get a vision correction (glasses or contacts) or have an eye doctor clear you.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV eye chart tests whether you can read letters from 20 feet away, which is the distance needed to spot road signs and hazards while driving.
  • Most states use a Snellen chart with lines of decreasing size, and you read each line aloud while the examiner records your results.
  • The test is done separately for each eye and sometimes for both eyes together to measure your overall vision.
  • If you fail the vision test, you can usually retake it after getting glasses or contacts, or after an eye doctor confirms your vision meets the state's minimum standard.
  • Vision restrictions or corrections appear on your license and tell law enforcement what you must wear while driving.

What the numbers and letters on your results mean

When the DMV records your vision test, they write down a fraction like 20/40 or 20/20. The first number is always 20, which represents the distance in feet where you stood. The second number is the distance at which a person with "normal" vision could read that same line. So 20/40 means you had to stand 20 feet away to read what someone with standard vision could read from 40 feet away — in other words, your vision is weaker.

Each state sets its own minimum vision standard for driving. Most require at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, though some require 20/60 or 20/70 depending on the type of license (regular car versus commercial truck, for example). If your vision is worse than the state minimum, you cannot get or renew a license without correction.

The examiner also notes whether you passed with or without glasses or contacts. If you need correction to meet the standard, your license will have a restriction code — usually something like "B" for corrective lenses — that means you must wear them every time you drive. Driving without the correction you were tested with is illegal and can result in a ticket or license suspension.

How to prepare for the DMV vision test

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the DMV. You will be tested while wearing them if that is how you normally drive. The examiner may also test you without correction to see your uncorrected vision, but your license restriction will be based on how you performed with your correction in place.

If you have recently changed your glasses prescription or gotten new contacts, it is a good idea to wear them for a few days before your DMV appointment so you are comfortable with them. If your current glasses are very old or you suspect your prescription has changed, consider visiting an eye doctor before the DMV. An outdated prescription could cause you to fail the test even though better correction would let you pass.

On the day of your test, make sure you are well-rested and not tired or stressed, as these can affect how clearly you see. Arrive early so you have time to relax before the test. The test itself is straightforward — you straightforward read the letters aloud as the examiner points to each line. There is no studying or preparation beyond making sure your vision correction (if you use one) is current and with you.

What happens if you fail the vision test

If your vision does not meet your state's minimum standard, you will not be allowed to get a new license or renew an existing one until you correct the problem. The DMV will tell you the specific reason — for example, "vision worse than 20/60" — and what you need to do next.

Your options depend on why you failed. If you do not wear glasses or contacts and your vision is correctable, you can get an eye exam, obtain a prescription, and return to the DMV with your new glasses or contacts to retake the vision test. If you already wear correction and still failed, you may need a stronger prescription, or you may need to see an eye doctor to rule out an eye condition that cannot be corrected with lenses alone.

Some states allow you to bring a letter from an eye doctor stating that your vision meets the legal standard, even if you failed the DMV test. This is useful if you have a condition like astigmatism or dry eyes that made the test difficult on that particular day. Call your local DMV office to ask whether they accept doctor's letters and what information the letter must include.

Vision standards vary by state and license type

Every state sets its own minimum vision requirement, and these minimums can differ based on the type of license you are seeking. A standard passenger car license usually has a lower vision requirement than a commercial driver's license (CDL) for trucks or buses. Some states also have different standards for daytime versus nighttime driving, or for highway versus local roads.

A few states require 20/20 vision, while others allow 20/40 or even 20/60 with correction. Some states test color vision or peripheral vision in addition to the standard eye chart, though this is less common. If you are moving to a new state or upgrading your license type, ask the DMV what that state's specific vision standard is before you go in for your test.

You can find your state's vision requirements on your state's DMV website, usually under a section called "Vision Standards" or "Medical Requirements." If the website does not list them clearly, call your local DMV office and ask. Knowing the standard ahead of time helps you understand whether you need to get your eyes checked before explore.

When you might need a medical waiver or exemption

In rare cases, a person's vision cannot be corrected to the state minimum even with the best available glasses or contacts. This might happen because of a condition like macular degeneration, severe cataracts, or retinitis pigmentosa. In these situations, some states offer a medical waiver or exemption that allows a person to drive with restrictions, such as daytime-only driving or driving only on local roads.

To pursue a waiver, you will need documentation from an eye doctor or ophthalmologist stating your diagnosis, your current vision measurement, and what restrictions would make driving safe for you. You submit this documentation to your state's DMV medical review board, which decides whether to grant the waiver. The process can take several weeks or months, and there is no may provide of approval.

Waivers are not common and are granted only when an eye doctor confirms that you can drive safely under specific conditions despite not meeting the standard vision requirement. If you think you might be may be able to access for a waiver, start by scheduling an appointment with an eye care professional who can evaluate your situation and advise you on next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear sunglasses during the DMV eye chart test?

No. You must remove sunglasses, tinted glasses, and any other eyewear that reduces light during the test. If you wear prescription glasses or contacts, you wear those. If you wear both prescription glasses and sunglasses, you will be tested with your prescription glasses only.

What if I cannot read the smallest letters on the chart?

That is normal. The chart is designed so that most people cannot read the very bottom lines. The examiner records the smallest line you can read clearly, and that becomes your vision measurement. As long as you meet your state's minimum standard, you pass the test.

Do I have to get my eyes tested by a doctor before the DMV, or does the DMV test count?

The DMV test is a screening, not a full eye exam. It checks whether your vision meets the legal standard for driving, but it does not diagnose eye diseases or check your overall eye health. If you have concerns about your vision or eye health, you should see an eye doctor separately. The DMV test alone does not replace a regular eye exam.

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

This varies by state. Some DMV offices allow you to retake the test when ready if you fail, while others require you to return on a different day. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to ask their policy. If you think you failed because your glasses prescription is outdated, it is better to get a new prescription first and then retake the test.

What if my vision is different in each eye?

The DMV tests each eye separately and records the results for both. As long as at least one eye meets the state's minimum standard, you can drive. However, if one eye is significantly weaker than the other, the examiner may note this on your license or recommend that you see an eye doctor to make sure there is no underlying problem.