Vision Screening

To screen your vision, you will be asked to look into a machine and read lines of letters or numbers to the DMV representative. This screening determines whether your eyesight and peripheral vision meet Virginia's standards to safely operate a motor vehicle. It is not a medical exam. If you fail the vision screening, you may be asked to see an eye care professional. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision screening, you must wear them when you drive. Your license will show this restriction.

To have this restriction removed after having laser surgery to correct your vision, you must visit a DMV customer service center and obtain a replacement license. You will be required to pass the vision screening without wearing glasses or contact lenses.

If the expiration date on your license is less than two years away, you may choose to renew your driver's license instead of replacing it.

It is important to note that DMV's vision screening is not an eye exam and is not intended to be an indicator of the health of your eyes. We strongly encourage all drivers to visit their eye care professional on a regular basis.

Driver's License

• 20/40 or better vision in one or both eyes, and
• 100 degrees, or better, horizontal vision in one or both eyes.

Restricted to daylight hours only:

• 20/70 or better vision in one or both eyes, and
• 70 degrees, or better, horizontal vision. If only one eye, 40 degrees or better temporal and 30 degrees or better nasal are required.

A restricted license permits you to drive only during the period of time beginning one-half hour after sunrise and ending one-half hour before sunset.

Commercial Driver's License

• 20/40 or better vision in each eye
• 140 degrees, or better, horizontal vision

These visual requirements must be met without the aid of a telescopic lens. Some drivers may be granted waivers from these vision requirements.

Commercial drivers with only one eye must meet the following requirements:

• 20/40 or better vision in one eye
• 120 degrees, or better, horizontal vision

Bioptic Telescopic Lens

If you wear bioptic telescopic lenses, contact your local DMV to find out about vision requirements.

Click to find out more information about bioptic telescopic lenses.

For additional information, refer to the Vision Screening Report (MED-4).