The eye test is a quick vision screening that happens before or during your road test appointment

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) requires an eye test as part of getting or renewing a driver's license. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. It typically takes five to ten minutes and uses a machine called a vision screener or an eye chart. You do not need to bring glasses or contacts — you wear them during the test if you normally wear them while driving.

The test measures how clearly you see at a distance, which is what matters most for reading road signs and spotting hazards. Some states also check your peripheral vision (what you see to the sides without turning your head) and your ability to see colors, though this varies by state. If you fail, you usually get a second chance the same day or at a follow-up appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • The vision test checks how clearly you see at a distance using either a machine or an eye chart, and takes about five to ten minutes.
  • Wear your glasses or contacts during the test if you normally wear them while driving — the test measures your vision with your usual correction.
  • The passing standard is typically 20/40 vision in at least one eye, though some states require better vision in both eyes.
  • If you fail, most DMV offices let you retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment within a few days.
  • Bring your current glasses or contacts even if you do not usually wear them, because the examiner may ask you to try them if your first result is close to failing.

How the vision screener machine works

Most DMV offices use an automated vision screener — a machine you look into while keeping your head still. The examiner tells you to focus on a target (usually a hot air balloon, house, or other image) inside the machine. The machine measures how your eye focuses light and records your vision in both eyes separately. You typically look into it for just a few seconds per eye.

The machine prints out your results when ready, showing your vision as a fraction like 20/20 or 20/40. The first number is always 20 (the standard testing distance in feet). The second number is how far away a person with normal vision can see the same detail. So 20/40 means you see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 40 feet — your vision is less sharp, but still legal to drive in most states.

What the passing score is and how it varies by state

Most states require a minimum of 20/40 vision in at least one eye to pass. Some states require 20/40 in each eye separately, while others allow you to pass if one eye meets the standard even if the other is worse. A few states have stricter requirements, such as 20/30 or better. You can find your state's specific requirement by searching "[your state] DMV vision requirements" on your state's official DMV website.

If your vision is worse than the legal minimum without correction, you may still pass if you wear glasses or contacts that bring your vision up to the standard. The test measures your vision with your correction in place, not without it. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, tell the examiner before the test starts so they know to expect that.

What happens if you fail the eye test

If your vision is below the passing standard, the examiner will usually offer you a retest the same day. This gives you a chance to relax and try again — sometimes tension or not positioning your head correctly in the machine can affect the result. If you fail the retest, you will not be able to get your license at that appointment.

You can schedule another DMV appointment to try again, usually within a few days or weeks depending on your state's availability. Before that appointment, see an eye doctor if your vision has changed or if you think your glasses or contacts prescription needs updating. Bringing a new prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist can make the difference between passing and failing.

Preparing for the eye test

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to your DMV appointment even if you do not always wear them. The examiner needs to test your vision with the correction you actually use while driving. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, mention this before the test — the examiner may adjust how you position yourself in the machine.

Get a good night's sleep before your appointment. Eye strain and fatigue can affect how well you see during the test. If you have had recent eye surgery or a significant change in your vision, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist before your DMV appointment. They can update your prescription if needed and give you documentation to bring to the DMV if there are questions about your vision.

Color blindness and peripheral vision checks

Some states test for color blindness as part of the vision screening, usually by asking you to identify numbers or patterns in colored dots. This matters because you need to see red and green traffic lights clearly. If you are color blind, you may still be able to drive — most color blindness does not prevent safe driving — but your state may note it on your license or require additional testing.

A few states also check your peripheral vision, the ability to see objects to the sides without moving your eyes. This is tested either with the vision screener machine or by having you look straight ahead while the examiner moves an object into your side vision. Peripheral vision matters for spotting other vehicles and pedestrians. If you have a condition that affects your side vision, mention it to the examiner before the test.

What to do if you wear contacts and have trouble during the test

If your contact lens shifts or feels uncomfortable during the test, tell the examiner when ready. They can pause and let you adjust it, or you can remove it and retake that part of the test with your other eye. If you wear contacts and also have glasses, bring both — if a contact is giving you trouble, you can switch to your glasses for the retest.

If you have dry eyes or your contacts are uncomfortable that day, consider wearing your glasses to your DMV appointment instead. The test measures your vision with whatever correction you choose to use, so there is no penalty for choosing glasses over contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear sunglasses during the eye test?

No. You need to remove sunglasses and any tinted eyewear for the test. The vision screener or eye chart needs to see your eyes clearly, and tinted lenses interfere with the measurement. If you are sensitive to bright light, tell the examiner — they may be able to dim the room slightly or adjust the machine.

What if I have had eye surgery recently?

Tell the DMV examiner about any recent eye surgery before the test. Some surgeries temporarily affect vision, and the examiner may want to see documentation from your eye doctor showing your vision is stable enough to drive. If your vision is still healing, you may need to reschedule your appointment.

Do I have to pass the eye test to take the road test?

Yes. You must pass the vision screening before you take the driving portion of your road test. If you fail the eye test, your road test appointment will be cancelled or rescheduled for after you pass the vision check.

What if I failed the eye test at my last license renewal?

You can retake the test at any DMV appointment. If you failed because your prescription changed, visit an eye doctor first to get an updated prescription. Bring that new prescription to the DMV — you can show it to the examiner, and it may help explain why your vision is different this time.

Can I use my phone to check my vision before my DMV appointment?

Phone vision tests are not reliable and are not accepted by the DMV. If you are worried about your vision, schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist instead. They can give you an accurate measurement and update your prescription if needed.