DMV Visual Acuity Testing

If you want to get a driver's license in the United States, you must be able to pass a vision test. Although the frequency, the methods, and the passing rates of these vision tests may vary from state to state, each U.S. state's Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, requires a vision test to obtain an initial driver's license.

Currently the Departments of Motor Vehicles in 47 states use Stereo Optical's Optec® 1000 as part of their vision testing to obtain a driver's license. Although the main method of vision screening is the standard eye chart, the Optec® 1000 vision tester is used by DMV offices in many states either as a standard method of DMV vision testing or as a method of visual screening when people have difficulty reading the eye chart.

The need for visual acuity testing when getting a driver's license is to ensure that all licensed drivers can safely operate a motor vehicle. It is up to the discretion of the DMV in each state to determine the level of visual acuity needed to be considered safe. Many states, including California, Arizona, Alaska, Indiana, New York, and numerous others, require a 20/40 visual acuity with or without glasses in order to obtain a driver's license. Even within these states, there are variations regarding the 20/40 visual acuity is needed in just one eye or in both eyes. Other states have different levels of visual acuity needed to obtain a driver's license.

Regardless of the state in which you live, it is important to get more information on required vision testing for a driver's license from the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Be sure to wear your corrective lenses during the DMV vision test to ensure that you are able to pass your vision test to obtain (or renew) your driver's license.