The eye chart test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely
When you renew your driver's license or take a driving test, you will read letters or symbols on a chart from a set distance — usually 20 feet away. The examiner is checking whether your vision meets your state's minimum standard, which is typically 20/40 or better in at least one eye. This is not a full eye exam; it is a quick screening to make sure you are not a danger on the road.
The chart itself is usually the Snellen chart, which has rows of letters that get smaller as you move down the page. You stand or sit at the marked distance, cover one eye, and read aloud what you see. Then you do the same with the other eye. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test — the examiner just needs to know what you can see with your normal correction.
Key Takeaways
- Most states require vision of at least 20/40 in one eye to hold a driver's license, though some require 20/30 or better.
- You will read letters on a chart from 20 feet away, first with one eye covered, then the other, wearing any glasses or contacts you normally use.
- If you fail the test, you can usually retake it the same day or come back another time; some states allow you to bring a recent eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist instead.
- Failing the vision test does not automatically mean you lose your license — it means you need an updated eye exam and may need a corrective lens restriction added to your license.
What the numbers 20/40 and 20/20 actually mean
The fraction on your eye prescription — 20/40, 20/20, 20/15 — describes how clearly you see compared to what a person with "normal" vision sees. The first number is always 20, the distance in feet you are standing from the chart. The second number is the distance at which a person with standard vision could read the same line you are reading.
If your vision is 20/40, you have to stand 20 feet away to read what someone with standard vision can read from 40 feet away. You see less detail. If your vision is 20/20, you see what the standard person sees from the same distance. Vision better than 20/20 — like 20/15 — means you see detail from farther away than average, but this is not required to drive.
The reason states set a minimum like 20/40 is that driving safety depends on seeing road signs, pedestrians, and obstacles in time to react. Below that threshold, the risk rises. Different states set different minimums, and a few states allow 20/50 or 20/60 in one eye if the other eye is better, but 20/40 is the most common standard.
How to prepare for the vision test at the DMV
Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. The examiner will test you with your normal correction in place. If you have recently changed your prescription, wear the new glasses or contacts to the DMV — do not wear an old pair hoping to pass without correction, because the test measures what you can actually see while driving.
If you are unsure whether your current glasses are strong enough, visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist before your DMV appointment. An eye exam takes about 30 minutes and costs between $100 and $200 depending on your location and whether you have insurance. This is cheaper and faster than failing the DMV test, retaking it, and then having to get an exam anyway.
On the day of your test, make sure you are rested and your eyes are not strained from screen time. If you wear contacts, put them in before you leave home so they have time to settle. Bring any documents the DMV requires for your license renewal or process — the vision test is only one part of the process.
What happens if you fail the vision test
Failing does not mean you automatically lose your license. Most states let you retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment within a few days. Some DMVs allow you to bring a recent eye exam report from an optometrist or ophthalmologist instead of retaking the test on their chart — this is worth asking about when you arrive.
If you fail a second time, you will need to get an eye exam from an eye care professional and bring the results to the DMV. The professional will measure your vision and give you a report showing what you can see with and without correction. If your vision is below the state minimum even with glasses or contacts, you may not be able to renew your license, or your license may come with a restriction requiring you to wear corrective lenses while driving.
Some states also require a medical evaluation if your vision is borderline, or if you have certain eye conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration. The DMV will tell you what steps to take next if this applies to you.
Corrective lens restrictions on your license
If you pass the vision test only while wearing glasses or contacts, your license will have a restriction code printed on it — usually something like "corrective lenses required" or "must wear glasses." This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. Driving without your glasses when your license says you need them is a violation and can result in a ticket.
The restriction stays on your license until you renew it again and pass the vision test without correction, or until you have eye surgery that corrects your vision. If your prescription changes significantly, you can visit the DMV to update your license before renewal, though some states charge a small fee for this.
Vision requirements vary by state and license type
Most states require 20/40 vision in at least one eye for a regular driver's license. However, some states require 20/30, and a few allow 20/50 or 20/60 in one eye if the other eye meets a higher standard. A handful of states also test your peripheral vision — how much you can see to the side without moving your eyes — because this matters for spotting other vehicles.
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have stricter vision requirements, usually 20/25 in each eye, because commercial drivers operate larger vehicles and carry more responsibility. If you are explore for a CDL, expect a more thorough eye exam than a standard license renewal.
If you are moving to a new state, check that state's DMV website for its specific vision standard. You may need a new eye exam if your current license was issued under a different state's rules.
When to see an eye doctor before your DMV appointment
Schedule an eye exam if you have noticed that you are squinting more while driving, if street signs are blurry, or if you have had trouble seeing at night. Do not wait until your license renewal is due. An eye exam can catch problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or age-related vision changes, and a new prescription can be ready in days.
You should also see an eye doctor if you have a history of eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or if you take medications that can affect vision. Some conditions develop slowly and do not feel like a problem until they are serious. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can spot these early and help you stay safe on the road.
If cost is a concern, many community health centers and vision clinics offer reduced-fee eye exams. Some states also have programs that help low-income drivers pay for vision correction. Ask your local health department or search online for "low-cost eye exam near me" to find options in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear sunglasses during the vision test?
No. The examiner needs to see your eyes clearly and needs you to see the chart without tint. Remove sunglasses and any other eyewear except your regular glasses or contacts before the test begins.
What if I can only see well out of one eye?
Most states only require you to meet the vision standard in one eye, not both. If one eye is significantly weaker or blind, the examiner will test each eye separately and record the results. As long as your better eye meets the minimum, you can renew your license, though you may be required to wear corrective lenses if you use them.
Do I need to pass the vision test to renew my license online?
It depends on your state and how long it has been since your last in-person exam. Some states let you renew online if your last vision test was recent, but most require an in-person test at least once every few years. Check your state's DMV website to see what applies to you.
What if I just got new glasses and I am not used to them yet?
Wear them to your DMV appointment anyway. The vision test measures what you can see with your current prescription, not how comfortable you feel. If the new glasses are not working well, go back to your eye doctor and ask for an adjustment before your appointment.
Can I bring a note from my eye doctor instead of taking the DMV vision test?
Many states allow this. Bring a recent eye exam report from an optometrist or ophthalmologist that includes your current vision measurement. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm they accept this and what information the report needs to include.