The vision test is a separate requirement from the road test, and you must pass it before you can take the driving portion
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency will test your eyesight before you sit behind the wheel. This is a quick screening — usually under five minutes — that checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You do not need to study for it, but you do need to bring the right documents and understand what happens if you do not pass on your first try.
The vision test is mandatory in every state. Some states will let you retake it the same day if you fail; others require you to wait and reschedule. Knowing what to bring and what the test measures will save you a trip back to the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a specific distance, usually 20 feet, to measure how clearly you see.
- Bring your current glasses or contacts if you use them — the DMV tests your vision with correction if you normally wear it.
- Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye, though some states have different standards.
- If you fail, ask the DMV staff whether you can retake it the same day or whether you must reschedule and return later.
- A failed vision test will postpone your road test until you pass, so getting your eyes checked before your appointment can prevent delays.
What the vision test actually measures
The DMV uses a Snellen chart or a similar eye-testing device to measure your visual acuity — how clearly you can see letters and numbers at a distance. You will stand or sit about 20 feet away and read lines of text that get progressively smaller. The examiner records the smallest line you can read accurately.
The test also checks your peripheral vision — what you can see to the sides without moving your eyes — because drivers need to notice movement and hazards outside their direct line of sight. Some DMVs use a machine called a visual field screener for this; others straightforward ask you to keep your eyes forward while they move their hand into your side vision and ask you to signal when you see it.
The examiner may also test your ability to distinguish colors, particularly red and green, since traffic lights are the primary color signals on the road. Not all states require this, but if your DMV does and you have color blindness, you can still pass — the test is checking whether you can identify the position of the light (top, middle, or bottom) even if the color itself is unclear to you.
Vision standards by state and what "20/40" means
Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye to receive an unrestricted license. A few states are stricter and require 20/30. Some states allow you to pass with worse vision in one eye if your other eye meets the standard; others have different rules for commercial licenses.
The fraction "20/40" means that at 20 feet away, you can see what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet away. In other words, you need to be twice as close to see the same detail. If you have 20/20 vision, you see what is considered "normal" clarity at that distance. If you have 20/60 vision, you need to be 20 feet away to see what a person with normal vision can see at 60 feet — and you would likely fail the DMV test.
Contact your state's DMV website or call their main line to confirm the exact standard for your state, since requirements do vary. Some states also have different vision standards depending on whether you are getting a regular license, a commercial license, or a motorcycle endorsement.
What to bring and how to prepare
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you. The DMV tests your vision with your correction in place if you normally use it. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, mention this to the examiner — they may ask you to look through different parts of the lens to may support you can see both near and far.
If you wear contact lenses, put them in before you arrive at the DMV. Do not plan to put them in at the office — you need time to settle them, and the DMV cannot accommodate this delay. If you wear glasses, clean them before you go so the lenses are clear.
If you have had recent changes to your vision — a new prescription, eye surgery, or a new diagnosis — get your eyes checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist before your DMV appointment. Many people discover they need a stronger prescription only after they fail the DMV test, which means an extra trip back. A pre-appointment eye exam costs money but saves you time and frustration.
What happens if you fail the vision test
If you do not pass, the DMV will not let you proceed to the road test that day. Ask the staff when ready whether your state allows you to retake the test the same day or whether you must reschedule. Some states have you wait 24 hours before a retest; others let you try again right away if you think the first result was a mistake.
If you fail and believe the result is wrong — perhaps you were tired, the lighting was poor, or you misread a line — ask to speak to a supervisor. They can sometimes observe a retest or clarify what you saw. However, if the examiner is confident in the result, you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a new prescription or a letter from your doctor stating you meet the state's vision standard.
Some states allow you to bring a vision waiver letter from an eye care professional if you have a condition that affects your vision but you still meet the legal standard. This is common for people with cataracts, macular degeneration, or other conditions. Ask the DMV whether this option is available in your state.
Corrective lenses and license restrictions
If you pass the vision test only while wearing glasses or contacts, your license will carry a restriction code stating that you must wear correction while driving. This is a legal requirement — driving without your glasses when your license says you must wear them is a violation, even if you think you can see well enough.
Some states print "corrective lenses required" directly on the license. Others use a code number that appears on the back. Either way, law enforcement can cite you if you are stopped and not wearing the correction your license requires. If your vision changes and you no longer need glasses, you can request a new license without the restriction — but you will need to pass the vision test again without correction.
If you have a medical condition affecting your vision
Certain eye conditions — diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, severe astigmatism, or recent eye surgery — may affect your ability to pass the DMV vision test. If you have any of these, see your eye doctor before your DMV appointment and ask whether you meet your state's vision standard. Your doctor can provide documentation if you do.
Some states have medical review programs where you can submit your eye doctor's report to the DMV before your appointment. This can prevent you from making a wasted trip if your vision does not meet the standard. Contact your state DMV to ask whether this option is available and what documentation your doctor needs to provide.
If your condition is progressive or temporary — for example, you are recovering from eye surgery — you may be issued a temporary or restricted license that expires sooner than a standard license. This gives you time to recover or adjust while still allowing you to drive under specific conditions. Ask the DMV what restrictions would explore in your situation.
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 any tint or obstruction. Remove sunglasses and any tinted eyewear before the test begins. If you have light sensitivity due to a medical condition, mention this to the examiner — they may be able to adjust the lighting or allow you to take a brief break before the test.
What if I fail the vision test but I know I can see well enough to drive?
The DMV standard exists for safety reasons, and the examiner's measurement is the official record. If you believe the result is wrong, ask for a retest the same day if your state allows it. If you fail again, see an eye doctor — they can determine whether you actually meet the standard or whether you need a new prescription. Bring their documentation back to the DMV.
Do I need to pass the vision test every time I renew my license?
Yes. Most states require a vision test at every license renewal, though some states only require it every other renewal or at certain ages. Check your state's DMV website to learn the renewal schedule for your state.
What if I have one eye that is much worse than the other?
Most states only require one eye to meet the 20/40 standard, so if your better eye passes, you will pass the test. However, your license may carry a restriction if you do not meet the standard in both eyes. Ask the examiner to clarify what restriction, if any, will appear on your license.
Can I use a driver's license from another state if I fail the vision test in my current state?
No. Once you explore for a license in your current state, you must meet that state's vision standard. You cannot use an out-of-state license to bypass the requirement. If you fail, you will need to pass the test in your current state before you can drive legally there.