The DMV requires all new drivers and license renewals to take a vision test. However, if you’re worried about passing and you’re wondering about ‘how to beat the eye test at the DMV’, here are some quick tips and hacks on how to pass the DMV eye test:
- Get an eye exam before taking the DMV vision test
- Use proper lighting to improve your vision’s clarity
- Know the Snellen chart and understand how it works
- Wear corrective lenses if you need to
- Should you fail, check if you qualify for exemptions
To become a proactive and safe driver, you need to have good eyesight to achieve the standard vision required for driving, as well as good peripheral vision and clarity of your surroundings on the road. It’s worth noting that color blindness does not affect driving ability. However, you should be able to recognize the various colors of street lights.
In short, you need to have 20/40 visual acuity in both or either of their eyes. Meanwhile, senior citizens’ vision tests are more critical, as they should have a score of 20/50. If you fail the DMV’s eye test, you need to see an ophthalmologist for vision correction, allowing the doctor to evaluate your vision and determine if you require corrective lenses.
If you’re worried about passing, then worry not, because our checklist gives you everything you need to know to improve your chances of passing the DMV’s eye test:
What Is A DMV Vision Test?
After passing their written driving examinations and practical road evaluations, new drivers must pass a vision test to complete the driver’s license application procedure. Because vision deteriorates with age, licensed drivers must take a vision exam every time they renew their driver’s license.
One of the requirements for getting your driver’s license is beating the eye test at the DMV. As such, it proves that you have good eyesight before you even allow yourself to drive on public roads, which mainly puts you through four main examinations…. 1) visual acuity test, 2) visual field exam, 3) color vision test, and 4) depth perception, among others.
For example, all driver’s licenses in New York are valid for eight years. Older drivers do not need to renew their licenses or have their vision tested more frequently. To pass the DMV vision exam, your visual acuity score must be at least 20/40 in one or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
NOTE: You will not need to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving if you fulfill the minimal requirements without corrective lenses.
How To Beat The Eye Test At The DMV – Snellen Vision Test Chart
A Snellen eye chart is used in almost all DMV vision testing. These charts may be recognizable to you if you’ve ever had an eye exam. They have one large letter, typically an “E” at the top, and several rows of more minor characters below. A DMV official will ask you to read specific rows to see how well you know the characters on the chart.
They can assess your eyesight sharpness by looking at the minor row of letters you can read. During this stage of the eye exam, you may wear your glasses or contact lenses. However, only wear them at the DMV if you also need to wear them while driving. The state will restrict your driver’s license, requiring you to wear your prescription lenses at all times when driving.
How Does The DMV Vision Test Work?
The license bureau will examine a person’s vision when they go to receive their new license. The first test consists of enormous letters or numerals that get smaller on each line as you approach closer to the bottom. This exam is identical to what you’d get from an optometrist. To make things easier, some DMV offices include a directory where you can get a vision test.
The person being examined will read aloud the letters or numbers to establish how well they can see. Like at the doctor’s office, the system counts the results and assigns a score with a top and bottom number, such as 20/20 or 20/40.
The second test entails staring into a machine and looking for a moving flashing light. The DMV vision test machine aims to assess your peripheral vision; hence, it moves from the front to the side. It informs you how well you can see cars and lights from the side in reality.
What Kind Of Exams Are Done At The DMV?
Each state in the United States has its own vision requirements for obtaining a driver’s license. On the other hand, their exams are primarily based on the Snellen Visual Acuity Scale. You can usually expect the following exams to be done at the DMV, depending on where you live:
How To Beat The Eye Test At The DMV (Exam 1): Visual Acuity
This is the first major obstacle in figuring out how to beat the eye test at the DMV. The eye doctor will ask you to stand a few feet away from the machine. Then, to stare through it for this test. With one eye closed; you’d have to recognize each alphabet or number that they point at.
How To Beat The Eye Test At The DMV (Exam 2): Visual Field Exam
A visual field exam would be used to determine your perimeter. This test will look at what you can see on the right and left sides without moving your eyes. The most basic visual field exam is the confrontation test. You should look straight ahead as the professional covers one of your eyes. You will be prompted to notify them when you can see their hand without turning your head.
How To Beat The Eye Test At The DMV (Exam 3): Color Vision Test
Applicants for a heavy vehicle license must submit to a color vision test. Although it is not a genuine color perception exam, the participant must be able to tell the difference between red, amber, and green.
How To Beat The Eye Test At The DMV (Exam 4): Depth Perception
People in several states in the United States, such as Mississippi and West Virginia, must take a depth perception test. You will be shown photos of street signs that appear to float in the open area. You must determine which street sign is closest to you.
For added context, we’ve done some research and created this handy little table for you to showcase the vision requirements across all 50 states. Of course, please note that specific requirements may vary slightly and your local state DMV might’ve even updated it by the time you’re reading this. So, be sure to contact your local DMV office for more specific details.
Vision Requirements By State
| State | Minimum Visual Acuity | Peripheral Vision Requirement | Depth Perception Test | Additional Requirements for Older Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Alaska | 20/40 in your best eye | Not specified | No | No |
| Arizona | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Arkansas | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| California | 20/40 in both eyes; 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other | Not specified | No | No |
| Colorado | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Connecticut | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Delaware | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Florida | 20/70 in either eye or both eyes together; if one eye is 20/200 or worse, the other must be 20/40 or better | Not specified | No | No |
| Georgia | 20/60 in one eye | Not specified | No | No |
| Hawaii | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Idaho | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Illinois | 20/40 | Not specified | No | Yes (more frequent vision tests after age 75) |
| Indiana | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Iowa | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Kansas | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Kentucky | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Louisiana | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Maine | 20/40 | Not specified | No | Yes (vision test required at every renewal after age 40) |
| Maryland | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Massachusetts | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Michigan | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Minnesota | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Mississippi | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Missouri | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Montana | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Nebraska | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Nevada | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| New Hampshire | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| New Jersey | 20/50 | Not specified | No | No |
| New Mexico | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| New York | 20/40 in either or both eyes | Not specified | No | No |
| North Carolina | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| North Dakota | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Ohio | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Oklahoma | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Oregon | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Pennsylvania | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Rhode Island | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| South Carolina | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| South Dakota | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Tennessee | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Texas | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Utah | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Vermont | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Virginia | 20/40 in one or both eyes | 70 degrees horizontal vision; if your vision is in one eye, 40 degrees temporal, and 30 degrees nasal | No | No |
| Washington | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| West Virginia | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
| Wisconsin | 20/100 in at least one eye | 20-degree field from the center in at least one eye | No | No |
| Wyoming | 20/40 | Not specified | No | No |
Failing The DMV Eye Test Due To Bad Eyesight
The authorities will give you a grade once you complete the vision screener test. Each state sets its own rules for determining whether you pass or fail, as well as what happens if you don’t. The typical rule for how to beat the eye test at the DMV and obtain your driver’s license is 20/40 in one or both eyes. You can achieve this with or without the use of glasses or corrective lenses.
If the test results fall outside of this range but remain within a safe range, the state may grant you a limited license. The limits and allowed scores differ per state. A restricted license, for example, might be given if your vision is between 20/50 and 20/70. Restrictions may include driving only during daylight hours, not in severe weather, or at top speed.
Other states may require you to take a driving test, and the restrictions may be considerably stricter. The constraints may, for example, limit your ability to drive to the grocery store or the doctor’s office. If you fail the test, you must see an ophthalmologist for vision correction.
Before you can retake the driver’s license vision test, if you fail to beat the eye test at the DMV, the doctor will evaluate your vision and determine if you require corrective lenses. They will be able to warn you if you have any visual problems so you can drive securely and see where you’re going.
What To Do Now If You Failed The DMV Eye Test?
If you fail to beat the eye test at the DMV, the DMV clerk may examine a number of factors before deciding what to do next. These problems could include:
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- The seriousness of your vision problem.
- The disease affects your central and peripheral eyesight.
- The disease affects one or both eyes.
- Glasses, contact lenses, or vision surgery can remedy the problem.
- Is there a chance that the visual problem will get worse over time?
The state may impose restrictions on your license based on your specific circumstances.
Restrictions Could Include The Following
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- Requiring corrective lenses to be worn
- Putting restrictions on where and when you can legally drive
- Obtaining a license for a shorter period of time
The DMV will provide you with particular paperwork to fill out and have signed by your eye doctor. This form may be referred to as a “Report of Vision Examination” or “Explanation for an Eye Specialist” or similar. Your prescription may be obsolete if you fail the eye test at the DMV while using eyeglasses or contacts.
In that scenario, you’ll need to make an appointment for a full eye exam. During this, an eye doctor will assess your vision and offer you a new prescription for glasses or contacts. When you return to the eye test at the DMV, wear your new glasses or contact lenses. And, don’t forget to bring the signed form from your eye doctor.
During this visit, we will test your vision again. In some situations, the DMV may require you to take a driving test to demonstrate that you are capable of driving safely. Remember that if you need glasses or contacts to pass your vision exam, you must also use them while driving. The DMV will show this as a restriction on your driver’s license.
What to Do If You Fail the DMV Vision Test
If you’ve failed the DMV’s vision test, then don’t fret, as it’s not completely over! You should remember that failing a DMV vision test doesn’t necessarily mean you lose your driving privileges. In fact, each state has a process for retesting or obtaining medical clearance. So, here’s what you need to do next:
1) Check Retesting Eligibility
First and foremost, you need to understand why you’ve failed. The DMV will typically inform you if your visual acuity, peripheral vision, or depth perception doesn’t meet the required standards. This should give you a clearer idea of why you’ve failed. Moreover, some states allow corrective lenses to improve results.
If you need to retake the vision test, here’s what you need to know:
- Many states allow same-day retests if you wear corrective lenses and meet the minimum requirements.
- Elsewhere, if you need further evaluation, you may have to visit an eye specialist for a vision report before retesting.
- Additionally, some states enforce a waiting period (e.g., 7–30 days) before retesting.
2) Obtain a Vision Report from an Eye Doctor
You might also need to get a vision report from an eye doctor:
- If required, you’ll have to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Your doctor will fill out a DMV vision report form confirming whether corrective measures (glasses, contacts, or surgery) improve your eyesight to meet legal standards.
- You could then submit the form to the DMV before scheduling a retest.
If applicable, you could submit for medical exemptions with the DMV. For instance, there are drivers with certain vision impairments (e.g., monocular vision) that may need a medical exemption or restricted license (e.g., daylight-only driving). However, some states require that you take a functional driving test in addition to medical documentation.
3) Schedule and Retake the Vision Test
Once all that is settled, you can reschedule and make a return to the DMV for a retest. If you pass, you’ll be able to receive or renew your driver’s license.
- Some DMVs will charge you a nominal retesting fee (e.g., $5–$25 per attempt).
- Fees vary by state, and in some cases, the first retest is free.
Corrective Lens Restriction
IMPORTANT: You may be obliged to pay a fee if you have one of these restrictions and are stopped by a police officer without your corrective lenses. Driving without corrective lenses is illegal in several places, so bring your glasses or contacts with you.
If you can’t meet the minimum visual acuity standards without corrective lenses, that is, if you need to wear your glasses or contact lenses to score at least 20/40 on your DMV vision test. A corrective lens restriction will be placed on your driver’s license. Thus, requiring you to wear corrective lenses at all times when driving.
If you’re renewing and have a corrective lens restriction, you should take the vision exam with your glasses or contacts on. If you wear corrective lenses but don’t have a corrective lens restriction on your driver’s license yet. You should try to complete the vision test without them to avoid getting one.
Vision Test With Corrective Lenses
You must demonstrate that you are capable of passing a vision test without the use of corrective lenses. This is another facet of understanding how to beat the eye test at the DMV that most folks often forget.
1. Remove The Restriction From The Internet
If the DMV Online Vision Registry registers your vision test provider, you can remove the restriction online. You will remove the restriction when you renew your license online. Then, an enrolled provider electronically notifies you that you can pass a vision test without corrective lenses.
2. The Restriction Can Be Removed
You can take a vision test or verify that you meet our vision criteria by producing a Vision Test Report (PDF) (MV-619) completed by a competent eye care provider when you renew or replace your DMV document at an office.
If your vision care provider enrolls in the DMV Online Vision Registry and electronically submits your vision test results to the DMV, you will not need to provide proof or take a vision exam.
3. By Mail, Remove The Restriction
You must obtain documentation that shows you do not require corrective lenses and order a replacement document if you want to remove a corrective lens limitation before you renew your driver’s license. Proof can be provided to the DMV.
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- A vision care practitioner who is a member of the DMV Online Vision Registry, or
- Based on the results of a vision test (PDF) (MV-619) performed by a physician, a physician’s assistant, an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and a registered nurse.
You must complete the following tasks to remove the restriction. These items should be mailed to your local DMV office (for example, here’s how it’s done in New York).
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- Complete a Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver ID Card Application (PDF) (MV-44)
- Pay a $12.50 document replacement fee.
- Submit a completed Vision Test Report in PDF format (MV-619) if your eye doctor isn’t a member of the DMV’s Online Vision Registry.
The Vision Test Report (MV-619) is valid for six months after the date of the eye test. If the print date on the form is later, the vision care professional checks a box to indicate whether the form is valid for six months or 12 months after the eye test.