How the eye exam works at the DMV
The eye exam at your DMV appointment is a quick screening, not a full vision check. A DMV staff member will have you read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance — usually about 20 feet away, or sometimes through a machine that simulates that distance. You read with both eyes together, then cover one eye and read again. The whole test takes two to three minutes.
The examiner is checking whether you can see well enough to drive safely. Most states require you to see at least 20/40 vision in each eye, though some allow 20/60 in one eye if the other is 20/40 or better. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test — the DMV is testing your vision with your correction, not without it.
You do not need to study or prepare. The test is the same every time: read the chart. If you cannot read the letters clearly, tell the examiner. They will note it and may ask you to try again or move closer.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV eye exam is a straightforward vision screening where you read letters on a chart from about 20 feet away, taking only a few minutes.
- You must see at least 20/40 in each eye in most states, though the exact requirement varies by state and sometimes by license type.
- Wear your glasses or contacts during the test if you normally wear them while driving.
- If you fail the vision test, you can usually retake it after visiting an eye doctor and getting a corrective lens prescription.
What happens if you fail the vision test
If you cannot read enough of the chart, the DMV will tell you that you did not pass. You will not get your license that day. Instead, you will need to see an eye doctor — an optometrist or ophthalmologist — who can test your vision properly and write a prescription if you need glasses or contacts.
Once you have a prescription, you can go back to the DMV and retake the vision test. Some states let you retake it the same day; others require you to schedule a new appointment. Bring your glasses or contacts with you when you return. If your vision is now within the legal limit, you will pass and move forward with the rest of your license test.
A few states allow you to bring a letter from your eye doctor instead of retaking the DMV test. Ask your DMV office whether that option is available in your state.
Corrective lenses and license restrictions
If you pass the vision test while wearing glasses or contacts, your license will have a restriction code printed on it. This code means you are only allowed to drive while wearing that correction. If you wear glasses and drive without them, you are breaking the law, even if you think you can see well enough.
Some states also restrict night driving or highway driving for people whose vision is at the lower end of the legal range. The DMV will tell you if your license has any restrictions before you leave.
If your vision changes and you get a new prescription, you do not automatically need a new license. But if your new prescription is significantly different, or if you are no longer able to meet the state's vision standard, you should contact your DMV. Some states require you to report vision changes; others do not, but it is safer to do so.
Vision requirements by state
Most states require 20/40 vision in each eye, but a few allow 20/60 in one eye if the other eye is 20/40 or better. A handful of states have different rules for different license types — for example, a standard license might require 20/40, but a commercial license might require 20/32.
Some states also test your peripheral vision or color vision, though this is less common. Your DMV office can tell you the exact requirements for your state before your appointment. You can also find this information on your state's DMV website.
Preparing for the eye exam
If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to your DMV appointment. Wear them during the test. If you have a new prescription that you have not picked up yet, pick up your glasses or get your contacts before you go to the DMV.
If you are not sure whether you can pass the vision test, see an eye doctor before your DMV appointment. An eye doctor can tell you whether you meet your state's vision standard and can write a prescription if you need one. This saves you a trip to the DMV and a retake.
On the day of your appointment, make sure you are rested and your eyes are not tired or irritated. If you wear contacts, make sure they are clean and in good condition. If your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable, use rewetting drops before the test.
What the vision numbers mean
The numbers in a vision measurement like "20/40" work this way: the first number is the distance you are standing from the chart (20 feet). The second number is the distance at which a person with normal vision could read the same letters. So 20/40 means you are standing 20 feet away and reading letters that a person with perfect vision could read from 40 feet away. In other words, you need to be twice as close to see what they can see from far away.
20/20 is considered normal vision. 20/40 is half as sharp. 20/60 is one-third as sharp. The higher the second number, the worse the vision. Most states set the minimum at 20/40 because that is sharp enough to read road signs and see hazards while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear sunglasses during the eye exam?
No. You must remove sunglasses and any tinted eyewear. If you wear prescription sunglasses, you can ask the examiner whether you can use them instead of regular glasses, but most DMVs will ask you to use your regular correction for the test.
What if I have one eye that is much worse than the other?
As long as each eye meets the minimum (usually 20/40), you will pass. If one eye is worse than 20/40, you will need to retake the test after getting a new prescription. Some states allow one eye to be as bad as 20/60 if the other is 20/40 or better, so check your state's rules.
Do I have to take the eye exam every time I renew my license?
Most states require the eye exam at every renewal, but some only require it every other renewal or every few years. A few states only test your vision when you first get a license or when you renew after a long gap. Check your state's DMV website to see how often you need to be tested.
What if I am colorblind — will I fail the eye exam?
Most states do not test for colorblindness during the DMV eye exam. Even if they do, colorblindness alone does not disqualify you from driving. You can drive safely with colorblindness as long as you can see traffic lights by their position and brightness, not just their color.
Can I use my recent eye doctor's test results instead of taking the DMV test?
Some states allow you to bring a letter from your eye doctor confirming that you meet the state's vision standard. Other states require you to take the DMV test no matter what. Call your DMV office or check the website to see whether your state accepts this option.