What the DMV eye test measures
The DMV eye test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The test measures your visual acuity — how clearly you see at a distance — and sometimes your peripheral vision, the ability to see to the sides without moving your eyes. Most states also check for color blindness and your ability to see in low light.
You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance, usually 20 feet away. The examiner records what you can read accurately. If you wear glasses or contacts, you will take the test both with and without them — the DMV needs to know your corrected vision and your uncorrected vision separately.
The entire eye test takes about five to ten minutes. It is not a medical exam and the DMV staff member administering it is not an eye doctor. They are checking whether your vision meets your state's minimum standard for driving, not diagnosing eye disease or prescribing corrections.
Key Takeaways
- You will read letters on a chart from 20 feet away, and the DMV records what you can see with and without glasses or contacts.
- Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye, though some require 20/30 or better in both eyes.
- Bring your current glasses or contacts if you wear them, because the test measures both corrected and uncorrected vision.
- If you fail the eye test, you can retake it when ready at most DMV offices, or return on another day with a new prescription.
Minimum vision standards by state
States set their own minimum vision requirements, and they vary. Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye. Some require 20/30 vision or better in both eyes. A few states have different standards depending on the type of license you are seeking — for example, a commercial driver's license may have a higher standard than a regular passenger vehicle license.
You can find your state's specific requirement by visiting your state DMV website or calling your local DMV office. The requirement is usually listed under vision standards or medical standards for drivers. If you are uncertain whether your vision will pass, ask the DMV staff before you take the test — they can tell you the standard and whether your current vision is likely to meet it.
If you wear corrective lenses, your vision is measured with them in place. The DMV does not care whether you need glasses or contacts; they only care whether your corrected vision meets the minimum. If your corrected vision does not meet the standard, you will not be issued a license, even if you pass every other part of the test.
What to bring to your eye test
Bring your current glasses or contacts if you wear them. The DMV needs to test your vision both with and without correction, so do not leave them at home thinking you will do better without them. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, let the examiner know — they may ask you to look through different parts of the lens.
If you wear contact lenses, wear them to your appointment. The DMV will test you with them in, and you should be comfortable with how they feel and how you see through them. If you recently got a new prescription and have not worn it much, consider wearing it for a few days before your test so you are used to it.
Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. You do not need to bring a separate eye prescription or a letter from an eye doctor unless your state specifically requires it — most do not. The DMV staff will conduct the test themselves.
What happens if you fail the eye test
If your vision does not meet your state's minimum standard, you will not pass the eye test. The DMV will tell you the result when ready. You have two options: retake the test at the same visit, or leave and return another day with a new eye prescription.
Many DMV offices allow you to retake the test right away at no additional cost. This makes sense if you think you straightforward misread the chart or if the lighting was poor. However, if you know your vision has changed or your prescription is outdated, retaking when ready will likely produce the same result. In that case, it is better to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor, get a new prescription, and return to the DMV when you have corrective lenses that work.
A failed eye test does not prevent you from getting a license later. It only means you cannot be licensed until your vision meets the standard. Once you have corrective lenses that bring your vision up to the requirement, you can return to the DMV and take the test again.
Corrective lenses and license restrictions
If you pass the eye test only while wearing glasses or contacts, your license will carry a restriction code that says you must wear corrective lenses while driving. This restriction is printed on your license. Driving without your glasses or contacts when your license requires them is a violation, even if you think you can see well enough.
The restriction code varies by state but is usually a number or letter on the back of your license. Common codes indicate "corrective lenses required" or "corrective lenses required for highway driving." Some states also add restrictions for night driving or for driving on highways only if your uncorrected vision is particularly poor.
If you later have eye surgery or get a better prescription and no longer need corrective lenses to meet the standard, you can return to the DMV to have the restriction removed. You will need to pass the eye test again without your lenses to prove your uncorrected vision now meets the requirement.
Preparing for better results
If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure your prescription is current. Eye prescriptions change over time, and an outdated prescription is one of the most common reasons people fail the DMV eye test. If your last eye exam was more than a year ago, consider scheduling one before your DMV appointment.
On the day of your test, get enough sleep the night before. Tired eyes can affect how well you see during the test. Avoid driving for long periods when ready before your appointment, as this can also strain your vision. If you wear contacts, make sure they are clean and properly inserted — a contact lens that is off-center or dirty will affect your test results.
If you are nervous about the test, remember that the DMV staff member is not trying to trick you. They will read the chart clearly and give you time to answer. If you cannot read a line, say so — guessing will not help. If you think the lighting is poor or you are having trouble seeing the chart, ask the examiner to adjust the lighting or move you to a different position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear sunglasses during the eye test?
No. You must remove sunglasses and any tinted eyewear for the test. The examiner needs to see your eyes clearly and needs you to see the chart without any obstruction or tint. If you wear prescription sunglasses, bring your regular glasses instead.
What if I have had eye surgery like LASIK?
You take the eye test the same way as anyone else. If your surgery corrected your vision so you no longer need glasses or contacts, you will take the test without them. If you still need some correction after surgery, wear your glasses or contacts. The DMV only cares about your current vision, not how you achieved it.
Do I have to pass the eye test before I can take the written test?
Most states require you to pass the eye test before you take the written knowledge test or the driving test. Some states allow you to take the written test first and the eye test later on the same day. Check your state DMV website to learn the order of tests at your location.
What if I am colorblind?
Colorblindness alone does not disqualify you from driving in most states. The DMV may note it on your record, but you can still be licensed. However, some states have restrictions on certain types of commercial licenses if you are colorblind. If you know you are colorblind, ask the DMV whether it affects your ability to get the type of license you want.
Can someone else take the eye test for me?
No. You must be present and take the test yourself. The DMV needs to verify that your vision meets the standard for you to drive safely. The test is part of the identity verification process as well — the examiner confirms you are the person explore for the license.