What the DMV vision test measures

The DMV vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. It is not a full eye exam — your eye doctor does that. The DMV test takes about two minutes and measures how clearly you see at a distance, usually by reading letters or numbers on a chart from about 20 feet away.

Most states require you to see at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. Some states allow 20/60 in one eye if the other eye is 20/40 or better. A few states have different standards. The test also checks your peripheral vision — how far to the side you can see — because you need that to spot other cars and hazards.

You will take this test when you explore for a learner's permit, a driver's license, or a license renewal. Some states retest your vision every time you renew; others only retest if your last test was several years ago or if you report a vision problem.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV vision test checks how clearly you see at a distance and how wide your side vision is, not whether you have perfect eyesight.
  • You can pass with glasses or contacts, and you must wear them during the test if you wear them while driving.
  • 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 within a few days, and you can see an eye doctor in the meantime.
  • Bring your current glasses or contacts to the DMV, even if you do not think you need them, because the examiner may ask you to try the test with and without them.

How the vision test works at the DMV

When you arrive at the DMV for your permit or license appointment, a staff member will call you to a vision testing station. You will stand or sit about 20 feet from a chart with letters, numbers, or symbols that get smaller toward the bottom. The examiner will ask you to read the smallest line you can see clearly, usually starting with one eye at a time.

If you wear glasses or contacts, you will wear them during the test. If you do not wear them but brought them anyway, the examiner may ask you to read the chart both with and without them to see if they improve your score. Be honest about what you can and cannot see — guessing or squinting does not help you pass, and it puts you and others at risk if you get a license you should not have.

The examiner may also check your peripheral vision by asking you to look straight ahead while they move their hand or a light into your side vision and ask when you first see it. This takes only a few seconds per side.

What happens if you fail the vision test

If you do not meet your state's vision standard, you will not receive a license or permit that day. Most DMVs let you retake the test when ready or within a few days at no extra cost. Some require you to wait 24 hours before retesting.

Between your first test and your retest, you can see an eye doctor. If you need glasses or contacts, an eye doctor can write you a prescription, and you can get new glasses or contacts quickly — many optometrists and eyeglasses stores offer same-day service. Bring your new prescription to your retest appointment.

If you fail a second time, most states will not issue you a license until you pass a vision test. Some states require a letter from an eye doctor stating that you have been corrected to the legal standard. Check your state DMV website to learn what your state requires after a failed retest.

Bringing glasses or contacts to the DMV

If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, bring them to the DMV. Your license will be marked with a restriction stating that you must wear them while driving. If you do not wear them during the test but the examiner finds you need them to meet the vision standard, your license will still carry that restriction.

If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, let the examiner know. They may ask you to tilt your head slightly to use the correct part of the lens for distance vision, since the test measures how far you can see.

If you wear contact lenses, wear them on the day of your test. Do not switch to glasses that day unless you normally wear both interchangeably. The examiner is testing your vision the way you actually drive.

Vision standards by state

Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye, or 20/40 in each eye. A few states allow 20/60 in one eye if the other eye is 20/40 or better. Some states have a separate standard for commercial driver's licenses, which is usually stricter — often 20/40 in each eye with no worse than 20/60 in the other.

A handful of states test peripheral vision and require you to see at least 140 to 150 degrees to the side. Most states do not formally measure peripheral vision during the DMV test, though an examiner may notice if your side vision is severely limited.

Your state DMV website lists the exact vision standard for your state and the type of license you are seeking. If you are unsure whether you will pass, call your local DMV office or check online before you go in for your appointment.

Scams and safety alerts

Do not pay anyone to take your vision test for you or to falsify your test results. This is fraud and a felony in most states. You will lose your license, face criminal charges, and be liable if you cause an accident while driving with a fraudulent license.

Do not buy fake glasses or contacts online to wear during the test. The examiner is trained to spot this, and attempting it is also fraud.

Be cautious of websites claiming to offer "online vision tests" that will tell you whether you can pass the DMV test. These are not official and cannot predict your DMV result. The only way to know if you pass is to take the test at the DMV.

If you fail your vision test and an eye doctor tells you that you cannot safely drive, listen to that information. Driving without the vision you need puts your life and others' lives at risk, no matter how frustrated you feel about the delay.

What to do before your DMV appointment

If you have not had an eye exam in the past year or two, consider seeing an eye doctor before your DMV appointment. An eye doctor can tell you whether you will pass the DMV vision test and can prescribe glasses or contacts if you need them. This saves you a trip back to the DMV if you fail.

If you already wear glasses or contacts, make sure they are clean and in good condition. Dirty lenses or a scratched lens can make your vision seem worse than it is. If your prescription is more than a few years old, ask your eye doctor whether it has changed.

On the day of your appointment, get enough sleep the night before. Tired eyes can make it harder to read the chart clearly. Bring your current glasses or contacts even if you think you might not need them, because the examiner may ask you to try the test with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear sunglasses during the 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 this if your prescription sunglasses have the same prescription as your regular glasses.

What if I have had eye surgery like LASIK?

You take the vision test the same way as anyone else. If your surgery corrected your vision to 20/40 or better, you will pass. If you still need glasses or contacts after surgery, wear them during the test and your license will be marked with a restriction.

Do I have to retake the vision test every time I renew my license?

It depends on your state. Some states retest vision at every renewal. Others retest only if your last test was more than a certain number of years ago, or if you report a change in your vision. Check your state DMV website to learn the rule for your state.

What if I am colorblind?

Colorblindness does not usually affect your ability to pass the DMV vision test, because the test measures how clearly you see, not whether you see all colors. However, some states may ask about colorblindness during your license interview. Colorblindness does not automatically disqualify you from driving.

Can I take the vision test online?

No. The DMV vision test must be taken in person at a DMV office. There is no online version. You must go to your local DMV to have your vision tested by a staff member.