The DMV eye test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely
The eye test at the DMV is a brief vision screening, not a full eye exam. A DMV staff member or examiner will test how clearly you see at a distance and sometimes check your peripheral vision and color recognition. The test takes about five minutes and happens before or during your road test, depending on your state.
You will look through a machine called a vision screener or read letters on a wall chart from a set distance, usually 20 feet away. The examiner records what you can and cannot see clearly. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test — the DMV wants to know how well you see with your normal correction.
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 better. A few states also test for color blindness or side vision. If you fail, you may be able to retake it the same day after a short wait, or you may need to return with an updated eye prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current glasses or contacts if you use them, because the DMV tests your vision as you normally see while driving.
- The vision screener or wall chart test takes about five minutes and measures how clearly you see at distance.
- Most states require 20/40 vision or better, though the exact standard varies by state.
- If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day or return with a new eye prescription from an eye care provider.
- Some states also check peripheral vision or color recognition as part of the screening.
What happens if you fail the eye test
If your vision does not meet your state's minimum standard, you will not pass the vision screening. The examiner will tell you the result and explain what you need to do next. You have two main options: retake the test when ready, or return with proof of a new eye prescription.
Many DMV locations let you retake the test right away at no extra cost, though you may have to wait an hour or more depending on how busy the office is. If you want to try again the same day, ask the examiner whether that is an option before you leave.
The other route is to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist, get an updated eye prescription, and bring the paperwork back to the DMV. Some states require the eye care provider to fill out a specific form; others accept a standard prescription slip. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask what document format they need. Once you return with the new prescription, you will retake the vision test.
Bringing glasses or contacts to the DMV
If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them to the DMV. The vision test measures how well you see with your normal correction in place. If you wear contacts, put them in before you arrive. If you wear glasses, bring them with you and have them on when you go through the vision screening.
If your glasses or contacts prescription has changed since your last DMV visit, the new correction may help you pass. However, if your current prescription is more than one or two years old and you are having trouble seeing, an eye care provider can give you an updated one. Bring that new prescription to the DMV along with your glasses or contacts.
Some people wear bifocals or progressive lenses. These work fine for the DMV vision test — just look straight ahead at the chart or screener as the examiner instructs, and do not tilt your head to use a different part of the lens.
Different vision test methods by state
Not every DMV uses the same equipment or tests the same things. Most states use either a vision screener machine (an automated device you look into) or a wall chart (where you read letters from 20 feet away). Both measure the same thing: how clearly you see at distance. The screener is faster and more common in busy urban DMVs; the wall chart is still used in many smaller offices.
Some states also test peripheral vision — how well you see to the sides without moving your eyes — because side vision matters for spotting other cars and pedestrians. A few states check color recognition, usually by asking you to identify colored lights or shapes, to make sure you can see traffic signals correctly.
The minimum vision standard also varies. Most states require 20/40 in each eye, but some 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, commercial driver's license holders may need sharper vision than regular drivers. Check your state DMV website to learn the exact standard where you live.
How to prepare for the vision test
The best preparation is to make sure your glasses or contacts prescription is current. If you have not had an eye exam in more than a year, or if you have noticed your vision getting worse, schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist before you go to the DMV. A fresh prescription takes the guesswork out of whether you will pass.
On the day of your test, wear your glasses or put in your contacts before you arrive at the DMV. Make sure your glasses are clean — smudges or scratches can make the test harder. If you wear contacts, bring a backup pair in case one tears or falls out while you are at the DMV.
Get enough sleep the night before. Tired eyes do not focus as well, and you want to perform your best on the screening. Avoid driving for several hours before your appointment if possible, since eye strain from driving can temporarily affect your vision test results.
What your vision test result means for your license
If you pass the vision test, the result is recorded on your driving record and your license is issued or renewed with no restrictions. You will not need another vision test until your next license renewal, which is typically every four to eight years depending on your state and age.
If you pass but with a restriction, your license will be marked to show that you must wear corrective lenses while driving. This is common for people who need glasses or contacts. You are legally required to wear them every time you drive, and driving without them can result in a ticket or license suspension.
If you fail and cannot retake the test the same day, you will not receive your license until you return with a new eye prescription and pass the vision screening. Some states issue a temporary permit that lets you drive to an eye care appointment, but rules vary. Ask the examiner what your options are before you leave the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear sunglasses during the DMV vision test?
No. You must remove sunglasses and any tinted eyewear for the test. If you wear prescription sunglasses, ask the examiner whether you can use them instead of your regular glasses. Most DMVs will allow prescription sunglasses if that is your normal driving correction.
What if I have had eye surgery like LASIK?
You take the vision test the same way as anyone else — with whatever correction you normally use while driving. If LASIK corrected your vision and you no longer need glasses or contacts, you take the test without them. If you still need glasses or contacts after LASIK, wear them during the test.
Do I need a recent eye exam to pass the DMV vision test?
You do not need to bring an eye exam report to the DMV unless you failed the vision screening and are returning with a new prescription. However, if your vision has changed or you have not had an eye exam in over a year, getting one before the DMV can help you pass on your first try.
What happens if I fail the vision test twice?
If you fail a second time, you will need to see an eye care provider and get a new prescription before you can try again. Some states require a waiting period between attempts, though most do not. The eye care provider can tell you whether your vision can be corrected enough to meet the DMV standard.
Can I take the vision test online or by mail?
No. The vision test must be done in person at a DMV office or testing location. There is no remote or mail-in option. You must show up with your glasses or contacts and complete the screening face-to-face with an examiner.