California DMV Vision Requirements | CA DMV Vision Test | Laser Eye Center (2024)

FAQs

California DMV Vision Requirements | CA DMV Vision Test | Laser Eye Center? ›

Drivers must have visibility at 20/40 with both eyes combined (e.g. one eye visibility at 20/40 and the other eye visibility at 20/70).

Drivers must have visibility at 20/40 with both eyes combined (e.g. one eye visibility at 20/40 and the other eye visibility at 20/70).

DMV Visual Acuity (Vision) Screening Standard required for a driver's license: 20/40 with both eyes together. 20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other eye.

Definition of 20/40 vision

People who can stand 20 feet from the eye chart and comfortably read line 8 are said to have 20/20 vision, which is normal. If you can read line 5 with no problem, that's 20/40 vision.

If the smallest print you can read is line 3 (T O Z) from 20 feet away while wearing your regular glasses or contact lenses, the doctor records your vision (or visual acuity) as 20/70 with best correction.

The test must show that you have visual acuity of at least 20/40 (based on the Snellen Visual Acuity Scale) in either or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.

If you do not pass your vision test, you will be asked to have your eye doctor complete a Report of Vision Examination form. When you apply for an original driver's license, you must pass a knowledge test with multiple choice questions. You are allowed three attempts to pass before you must reapply.

Each state requires visual acuity measurements for licensure, and almost all set the minimum BCVA requirement to 20/40. However, there is greater variation with visual field requirements, and some states do not require any visual field testing for licensure.

Driving With Worse Vision & Hard Limits

If corrective wear (if needed) cannot allow you to reach a level of visual acuity better than 20/200 vision (where at 20 feet you see a level of detail a person with normal vision can see at 200 feet) in at least one eye, you cannot drive in California.

How many letters can you miss on a Snellen chart? ›

To pass, the individual must correctly identify 3 out of 5 letters on their critical line, 20/40 in each eye.

That depends on the age of the person being tested. A 3- to 4-year-old should be able to read the 20/40 line, and a 5-year-old the 20/30 line. Older children and adults should be able to read the majority of letters on the 20/20 line.

The test is performed with both eyes and then individually. The wall chart will be situated 20 feet from where you are standing.

Even the types of letters used are carefully chosen. You'll notice, next time you look at an eye chart, not every letter of the alphabet is used. Only the letters C, D, E, F, L, N, O, P, T and Z.

Check each eye separately, first the right and then the left. Keep both eyes open and cover one eye with the palm of the hand. Read the chart, beginning with the top line and moving down the lines until it is too difficult to read the letters. Record the number of the smallest line that you know you read correctly.

The vision requirement in California is: 20/40 with both eyes tested together, combined with: 20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other eye.

Drivers who fail the vision screening are referred to a vision specialist who must examine the driver and complete a Report of Vision Examination. Drivers with visual acuity of 20/200 or worse may not be licensed to drive. Drivers may use bioptic telescopes for driving, but may not use them to meet the vision standard.

If your visual field test is not normal, you may need additional follow-up testing, as well as treatment. A visual field test can help diagnose scotomas , or blind spots. It can also help identify loss of peripheral or side vision. Loss of side vision is an indicator of glaucoma, a disease that can lead to blindness.