The vision test is a separate requirement from the road test, and you take it before you drive

Most states require you to pass a vision screening before you can take the road test or renew your license. This test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The examiner will use a machine called a vision screener or ask you to read letters on a chart from a set distance — usually about 20 feet away. You do not need to memorize anything or study; the test straightforward measures what you can see right now.

The specific vision standard varies by state, but most require you to see at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test — and your license will be marked to show that you must wear them while driving. If you fail the vision test, you will not be allowed to take the road test that day, and you will need to see an eye care professional before you can try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them, because the test measures your vision with your normal correction.
  • The test checks whether you can see letters or numbers from a distance, usually 20 feet away, and takes only a few minutes.
  • If you fail, you cannot take the road test that day and will need an eye exam before you can return.
  • Your license will note if you must wear corrective lenses while driving, and driving without them can result in a ticket.

What the vision test actually measures

The examiner is checking your visual acuity — how clearly you can see objects at a distance. They will show you a chart with letters or numbers that get progressively smaller, or use a machine that displays them. You read what you can see, and they record how far down the chart you can go. The standard 20/40 vision means you can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet. Some states allow 20/60 vision if you pass a peripheral vision test as well.

The test does not check for color blindness, depth perception, or how well you see at night — though some states may test these separately. The vision screener is quick and painless; it takes about five minutes or less. You will stand or sit in front of the machine or chart, cover one eye at a time, and read aloud what you see.

Bring your glasses or contacts — they count as part of your vision

If you wear glasses, contacts, or bifocals to see clearly, wear them to the DMV. The vision test measures your vision with your correction, not without it. If you can see 20/40 with glasses but only 20/100 without them, you pass the test — but your license will be restricted to "corrective lenses required." This restriction is legally binding; driving without your glasses or contacts when your license says you must wear them is a violation and can result in a ticket.

If you have recently changed your prescription, consider getting an eye exam before your test. If your current glasses are outdated and you cannot see the chart clearly, you may fail and have to return another day. An eye doctor can give you a current prescription and a letter stating your vision meets the standard, which you can bring to the DMV if you want to challenge a failed test.

What happens if you fail the vision test

If you cannot read enough of the chart to meet your state's standard, the examiner will tell you that you did not pass. You will not be allowed to take the road test that day. You will need to visit an eye care professional — an optometrist or ophthalmologist — who can perform a full eye exam and determine whether your vision can be corrected to the legal standard.

Once you have an updated prescription or a letter from your eye doctor stating that your vision meets the requirement, you can return to the DMV and take the vision test again. Some states allow you to bring the eye doctor's letter as proof that you meet the standard, which may let you skip the vision screener on your second visit. Call your local DMV before you go back to ask what documentation they need.

Vision standards vary by state and license type

Most states require 20/40 vision or better, but some allow 20/60 if you also pass a peripheral vision test. A few states have different standards for different license types — for example, a commercial driver's license may require better vision than a regular passenger vehicle license. Some states also test for color blindness or require a wider field of vision for certain licenses.

If you have a medical condition that affects your vision — such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy — your state may require additional testing or a letter from your eye doctor. A few states allow you to take the vision test more than once in a single visit if you fail the first time. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to learn the exact standard and whether any exceptions explore to your situation.

If you have low vision or a vision disability

Some states have programs for people whose vision does not meet the standard but who can still drive safely with special equipment or restrictions. These might include a bioptic telescope (a small telescope mounted on glasses), a restricted license that limits you to daytime driving only, or a license that requires you to drive only on familiar routes. To explore these options, you will need a letter from your eye doctor stating what your vision is and what restrictions or equipment might allow you to drive safely.

Contact your state's DMV medical review unit or vision program directly — they can tell you whether your situation qualifies for any accommodations. Some states have a formal process; others handle these cases on a case-by-case basis. Starting with your eye doctor is the first step, because they can document your vision and recommend what might work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear sunglasses during the vision test?

No. You must remove sunglasses, tinted glasses, and any other eyewear except your regular prescription glasses or contacts. The examiner needs to see your eyes clearly and needs you to see the chart without any obstruction.

What if I wear contacts and one falls out during the test?

Tell the examiner when ready. They will allow you to put it back in or reschedule the test. You can also ask to take the test with your glasses instead if you have them with you, or reschedule for another day when you have fresh contacts.

Do I need to pass the vision test before I schedule the road test?

Yes. The vision test happens first, usually on the same day at the DMV. If you pass, you move on to the road test. If you fail, you cannot take the road test until you return with proof that your vision now meets the standard.

What if my vision is 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other?

Most states look at your better eye or your combined vision. If your better eye meets the standard, you pass. Some states have specific rules about vision in each eye separately; call your DMV to ask how they score this situation.

Can I bring a letter from my eye doctor instead of taking the vision test?

Some states allow this, but most require you to take the vision test at the DMV. A letter from your eye doctor can help if you fail and need to prove you meet the standard on a second visit, but it usually does not replace the test itself. Ask your DMV what they accept.