Line 5 is the smallest line on the standard eye chart, testing whether you can read letters at 20/20 vision or better

The DMV eye test uses a chart with rows of letters that get progressively smaller from top to bottom. Line 5 is the fifth row from the top and contains the tiniest letters on the chart. If you can read Line 5 from 20 feet away, you have achieved 20/20 vision — the standard the DMV uses to determine whether you can drive safely without corrective lenses.

The test works by having you stand 20 feet from the chart and read each line aloud. The examiner notes which line you can read clearly. If you stop being able to read accurately at Line 4, your vision is recorded as 20/40 (meaning you need to be 20 feet away to see what a person with standard vision can see from 40 feet away). Reading Line 5 means you meet the baseline requirement in most states.

Not every state requires you to read Line 5 to pass. Some states accept 20/40 vision with or without glasses. Others require 20/30. The specific line matters because it determines whether you need corrective lenses to drive legally, and whether you may have access to for certain license restrictions or endorsements.

Key Takeaways

  • Line 5 on the DMV eye chart tests 20/20 vision, the standard measure of normal sight used in most states for unrestricted driving.
  • If you cannot read Line 5 but can read Line 4, your vision is recorded as 20/40, which may require you to wear glasses or contacts while driving.
  • Different states set different minimum vision standards — some require 20/20, others accept 20/40 or 20/30 — so check your state's specific requirement before your test.
  • The eye chart test is separate from the visual field test, which checks your peripheral vision and ability to detect movement to the sides.

How the Eye Chart Test is Scored

The DMV eye examiner will ask you to cover one eye and read the letters on the chart, starting from the top and moving down. You read with your right eye first, then your left eye, then both eyes together. The examiner marks down the smallest line you can read with 80 percent accuracy or better — usually meaning you can read most of the letters on that line, even if you miss one or two.

Your score is recorded as a fraction. The top number is always 20, representing the distance in feet you stand from the chart. The bottom number is the distance at which a person with standard vision could read that same line. So if you read Line 5 clearly, your vision is 20/20. If you read Line 4, it is 20/40. If you read Line 3, it is 20/60.

The examiner will also note whether you wore glasses or contacts during the test. If you passed while wearing corrective lenses, your license will carry a restriction code stating that you must wear them while driving. If you passed without them, no restriction is added.

State-by-State Vision Requirements

Most states require 20/40 vision in at least one eye to drive without restriction. Some states require 20/30. A smaller number require 20/20. The variation matters because it affects whether you need glasses to drive legally and whether you can renew your license without a vision test.

A few states allow 20/60 or 20/70 vision with corrective lenses, meaning you can still drive if you wear glasses or contacts, even if your uncorrected vision is poor. Other states have stricter rules and may require you to take a behind-the-wheel test or accept a restricted license if your vision falls below their threshold.

You can find your state's specific requirement on your state DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. The requirement may also differ depending on the type of license you are seeking — commercial driver licenses (CDLs) typically have stricter vision standards than regular passenger vehicle licenses.

What Happens if You Cannot Read Line 5

If you cannot read Line 5 but can read Line 4 or higher, you will not automatically fail. The examiner will record your vision as 20/40 or whatever line you could read. Whether you pass or fail depends on your state's minimum standard. If your state requires 20/40, you pass. If it requires 20/30 or 20/20, you do not pass without corrective lenses.

If you cannot read Line 5 without glasses or contacts, the examiner will usually ask you to put them on and try again. If you can then read Line 5 with correction, you pass the test, but your license will be restricted to require corrective lenses while driving. You must wear them every time you drive, or you are driving illegally.

If you cannot read Line 4 even with corrective lenses, you will fail the vision test. You will not be issued a license until you can demonstrate better vision, either through a new prescription or through a medical evaluation. Some states offer a hardship license or restricted license in these cases, but the rules vary widely.

The Difference Between Line 5 and Other Vision Tests

The eye chart test (called a visual acuity test) measures how clearly you can see letters and details. It is not the only vision test the DMV gives. Most DMV offices also perform a visual field test, which checks whether you can see movement and objects in your peripheral vision — the area to the sides and edges of your central sight.

The visual field test is usually done with a machine or a handheld device. You look straight ahead at a central point while lights or objects appear around the edges of your vision. You press a button or signal when you see them. This test catches problems like glaucoma, retinal damage, or blind spots that the eye chart alone would not reveal.

Some DMV offices also test your ability to distinguish colors, particularly red and green, because color blindness can affect your ability to see traffic lights. This is less common and is usually only done if you are seeking a commercial license or if the examiner suspects a problem.

Preparing for the Eye Test

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the DMV. Wear them during the test if you normally wear them while driving. The examiner will test you with them on, and your license will be restricted accordingly. If you do not wear them during the test but normally do while driving, you are driving illegally and risking a ticket.

If you have had a recent change in your vision or a new prescription, consider getting an eye exam before your DMV test. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can give you a current prescription and tell you whether you meet your state's vision standard. This can save you a trip to the DMV if your vision has changed significantly.

Do not try to memorize the eye chart or cheat on the test. The examiner will use different charts or cover parts of the chart to prevent this. Failing the vision test at the DMV and then driving without the required corrective lenses is a safety risk and a legal violation.

What to Do if You Fail the Vision Test

If you fail the vision test, you will not receive a license or license renewal. The DMV will give you a notice stating the reason and your options. In most states, you can retake the test after a waiting period — usually 30 to 90 days — or you can submit a letter from an eye doctor stating that your vision now meets the standard.

Some states allow you to take the test again when ready if you believe the first result was wrong, or if you have just gotten a new prescription. Call your local DMV to ask about their specific policy. If you have a medical condition affecting your vision, you may be able to request a waiver or a restricted license, but this varies by state and requires documentation from a physician.

If your vision cannot be corrected to meet your state's standard, you may not be able to drive. Some states offer a hardship license for people with severe vision loss who have no other transportation options, but these are rare and have strict conditions. An attorney or your state's disability services office can advise you on whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to read Line 5 to pass the DMV eye test?

Not necessarily. It depends on your state's minimum vision standard. Most states require 20/40 vision, which is Line 4. Some require 20/30 or 20/20. Check your state DMV website to find out what line you need to read to pass without corrective lenses.

What if I can read Line 5 with glasses but not without them?

You will pass the test, but your license will have a restriction code requiring you to wear corrective lenses while driving. You must wear them every time you drive, or you are breaking the law. The restriction will appear on your license and in the DMV database.

Can I retake the eye test if I fail it?

Yes, but the waiting period varies by state — usually 30 to 90 days. Some states allow an when ready retest if you have a new prescription or believe the first test was inaccurate. Contact your local DMV to ask about their policy and whether you can submit an eye doctor's letter instead of waiting.

Is the eye chart test the only vision test at the DMV?

No. Most DMV offices also test your peripheral vision (side vision) and may test your color vision. These tests check for problems the eye chart alone cannot catch, like blind spots or difficulty seeing traffic lights.

What happens if my vision is worse than 20/60 even with glasses?

You will not be issued a standard driver license. Your state may offer a hardship license or restricted license, or you may need to pursue other transportation options. Contact your state DMV or a disability services office to learn what options are available to you.