Vision Requirements For Driving Class C Vehicles
DMV's Goals
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the responsibility to enhance highway safety by increasing driver competency. Along with this responsibility is a major goal to keep all drivers licensed for as long as it is safe to do so.
DMV recognizes that the independence and mobility provided by the driving privilege is an important factor in the quality of life for most Californians. The good news is that impaired vision will not usually prevent you from obtaining a driver license if you can show that you are able to drive safely.
DMV Wants You to Pass
DMV wants you to do well on your vision test. You can help yourself by being well rested and bringing your new glasses or contact lenses if your prescription has changed since your last renewal.
DMV needs to be sure that all drivers meet the minimum vision standards. All original or renewal driver license customers must take a vision test
When it is time for your vision exam, the field office employee will ask you to read a line on an eye chart with both of your eyes open and then another line with each eye individually. If your license is already restricted for “corrective lenses,” you may take the vision test wearing your glasses or contact lenses.
NOTE: If you wear corrective contact lenses, please tell the employee. Your license will be restricted to “corrective lenses.” You will not be asked to remove your contact lenses for the vision test.
If your license is not restricted, the employee will ask you to remove your glasses. DMV does not want to restrict you if it isn’t necessary.
If you have difficulty reading the eye chart, the employee will take you to a vision testing machine called the Optec 1000. This machine tests for distance vision. You will be asked to read lines of letters, first with both eyes open and then with each eye individually. The employee will guide you through each step of the exam. Please ask the employee to repeat the instructions if you don’t understand them.
The Optec 1000 tests for distance vision so you must look though the distance part of your glasses, if you wear bifocals.
DMV's Evaluation of Your Vision
Many factors about your overall vision are considered before DMV determines what steps to take. Some of these factors include:
- The severity of your vision condition.
- How your vision condition affects your central and side vision.
- If your vision condition affects one or both eyes.
- Can your vision condition be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
- Whether the condition will get worse.
DMV's Vision Screening Standards
DMV is authorized to test all applicants’ vision under Vehicle Code §12804.9(a)(1)(E).
Anyone who applies for an original or renewal driver license must meet the department’s visual acuity (vision) screening standard. DMV’s vision screening standard is:
- 20/40 with both eyes tested together and
- 20/40 in one eye and
- 20/70, at least, in the other eye
Minimum Visual Acuity Requirement
If you cannot meet the vision screening standard, you must have a minimum visual acuity in at least one eye better than 20/200 (best corrected). Visual acuity is a person’s ability to see items clearly and sharply and to recognize small detail. You may wear glasses or contact lenses to meet the minimum visual acuity standard but you cannot wear a bioptic telescopic or similar lens. DMV is not allowed to license drivers who do not meet the minimum visual acuity standard. (VC §12805)
Drivers With Monovision
If you have monovision, which is one eye treated or untreated for distance by surgery or contact lenses, and one eye treated or untreated for close-up vision, you may not be able to meet DMV’s vision screening standard.
Vision Referral
You will be referred to a vision specialist (eye doctor) if your vision does not meet DMV’s screening standard. You will be given a form for your eye doctor to complete and sign. When you return the form, your vision will be retested and you will also take a driving test to show DMV that you can drive safely, even though your vision is impaired. Passing the driving test shows that you have compensated for any vision loss caused by your condition.
Once your impaired vision is documented and DMV determines it is stable or won’t affect the other eye, you typically will not be required to go through this process again for a license renewal. Often, your license will be restricted to wearing “corrective lenses” or “driving during daylight hours only.” Other restrictions are possible.
FFDL 14 - LU:1/2006