在美考驾照视力测试要求与常见问题

Each U.S. state requires a vision screening test as part of the driver’s license application or renewal process, and the minimum passing standard is 20/40 visual acuity in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses, according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA, 2023, Driver Licensing Best Practices). This means you must be able to read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 40 feet. Roughly 33 states also mandate a peripheral vision (field of view) test, requiring a horizontal field of at least 110 to 140 degrees, depending on the state. The test is typically conducted at the DMV using a wall-mounted Snellen chart or a vision-screening machine, and it is not a medical eye exam—it only checks for basic acuity and field limits. If you fail the initial screening, most states allow a second attempt or a waiver with a doctor’s signed statement (e.g., Form DL-51 in California). International drivers holding a foreign license who apply for a U.S. license must also pass this vision test, regardless of their driving history abroad. The test is free and takes about 2-3 minutes, but failing it can delay your license issuance by weeks.

What the Vision Test Covers: Acuity, Field, and Color

The standard DMV vision screening evaluates three core metrics: visual acuity, peripheral vision, and in some states, color perception. Acuity is measured using a Snellen chart (the classic letter chart) or an automated machine, with a passing score of 20/40 or better. If you score 20/50, you may be restricted to daytime driving only in certain states like Florida. Peripheral vision is tested by asking you to count fingers or identify a moving object at the edge of your sight while looking straight ahead. For example, New York (2023, DMV Vision Standards) requires a horizontal field of at least 140 degrees. Color perception is rarely a standalone test—only about 10 states (e.g., Texas, Ohio) screen for red-green color blindness, and a deficiency usually only restricts you from driving commercial vehicles or vehicles with air brakes.

Corrective Lenses and Restrictions

If you wear glasses or contacts, you must take the test while wearing them. Passing the test with corrective lenses will result in a “Corrective Lenses Required” restriction (code B on your license). This restriction is permanent until you pass a subsequent test without lenses. If you fail without lenses but pass with them, you will receive the restriction. Some states, like California (2023, DMV Vision Screening Guidelines), allow you to submit a Vision Screening Report (form DL-62) from an optometrist to remove the restriction if your uncorrected vision improves.

State-by-State Variations You Must Know

While the 20/40 baseline is nearly universal, acceptable methods and stricter requirements vary significantly. For instance, Texas (2024, DPS Vision Standards) accepts a telemedicine vision exam from a certified provider, while New York requires an in-person DMV test for first-time applicants. Florida allows a vision waiver for applicants with 20/70 or worse if they provide a doctor’s statement that their condition is stable and they have adapted. Illinois and Hawaii require a color vision test for all license classes. Arizona does not test peripheral vision for non-commercial licenses. Alaska and Montana accept self-certification of vision for renewal, but first-time applicants must still take the test. Check your state’s DMV website—search “[State] DMV vision test requirements” for the exact form number and accepted test types.

What Happens If You Fail

Failing the DMV vision test does not mean a permanent denial. You typically have two options: (1) retake the test later the same day (some states allow up to three attempts), or (2) visit a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist and submit a Vision Report Form (e.g., California form DL-62, New York form MV-80L) within 30 days. If your corrected vision is worse than 20/40 but better than 20/70, you may receive a daylight-only restriction. If it is worse than 20/70, you may be denied a non-commercial license and need a special medical review. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2022, Older Driver Safety Report), about 5% of first-time applicants fail the initial screening, and 70% of those pass on a second attempt or with a doctor’s note.

Preparing for the Vision Test: Tips for International Drivers

International drivers often face an extra hurdle: they may not have a recent eye exam or prescription. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your current pair—even if you think your prescription is outdated. The DMV test only checks whether you can see clearly at the moment, not whether your prescription is current. If you have a known condition like astigmatism or glaucoma, bring a letter from your eye doctor stating your best corrected visual acuity and field status. For applicants from countries where vision tests are not part of driving licensure (e.g., some parts of India or China), it is wise to get a pre-test eye exam at a U.S. optometrist (cost: $50–$100) to avoid an unexpected failure at the DMV.

Using Online Resources to Locate Test Locations

Some DMV offices have automated vision screening kiosks that are faster than human-administered tests. To find a location near you, search “[City] DMV vision test kiosk.” For cross-border travel or if you need to schedule a DMV appointment quickly, platforms like Trip.com flight & hotel compare can help you find affordable accommodation near a DMV office with shorter wait times.

Vision Test for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)

Commercial drivers face a stricter standard: 20/40 in each eye separately (not just one eye), with a horizontal field of at least 70 degrees in each eye. Color blindness is a disqualifier for CDL endorsements requiring hazard recognition (e.g., HAZMAT). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA, 2023, Medical Examiner’s Handbook) mandates that CDL applicants pass a DOT physical exam, which includes a vision test administered by a certified medical examiner, not the DMV. If you have a condition like monocular vision (vision in only one eye), you may still qualify for a CDL with a waiver if you have had the condition for at least six months and pass a field-of-vision test.

Renewal and Age-Related Vision Changes

All states require a vision test at renewal, but the frequency varies. In California, you only need a vision test every 5 years for renewal, while Florida requires it every 8 years for drivers under 80. Drivers aged 70+ face more frequent testing: Georgia requires a vision test every 4 years after age 64, and Illinois requires it every 2 years after age 87. The CDC (2023, Older Adult Drivers Fact Sheet) notes that drivers aged 75+ are 3 times more likely to have vision impairments that affect driving, and many states offer free vision screening events at senior centers. If your vision has changed since your last renewal, get an eye exam before your DMV visit to avoid a restriction.

FAQ

Q1: Can I take the DMV vision test with contact lenses?

Yes, you can wear contact lenses during the test. You must inform the DMV examiner that you are wearing them. If you pass, your license will show a “Corrective Lenses Required” restriction (code B). This restriction applies whether you wear glasses or contacts. If you later switch to glasses, the restriction remains valid. About 90% of U.S. states issue this restriction automatically for anyone who passes with any corrective aid.

Q2: What is the minimum visual acuity to drive in the U.S. without glasses?

The minimum is 20/40 in at least one eye without corrective lenses to avoid a restriction. However, if you have 20/50 without glasses, you can still drive with a “Daylight Only” restriction in states like Florida and New York. If your uncorrected vision is worse than 20/70, you will likely need a doctor’s statement and may be limited to low-speed roads. Only about 15% of U.S. drivers hold a license with no corrective-lens restriction.

Q3: I have monocular vision. Can I still get a driver’s license?

Yes, you can. Most states allow drivers with monocular vision (vision in only one eye) to obtain a non-commercial license. You must pass a field-of-vision test in your functional eye, typically requiring a horizontal field of at least 110 degrees. You will likely receive a “L” restriction (daylight driving only) or a “P” restriction (no expressway driving) depending on your state. The AAMVA (2023) reports that approximately 2% of U.S. drivers have monocular vision and hold valid licenses.

References

• American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) – 2023, Driver Licensing Best Practices
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – 2022, Older Driver Safety Report
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – 2023, Medical Examiner’s Handbook
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – 2023, Older Adult Drivers Fact Sheet
• California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – 2023, Vision Screening Guidelines (DL-62 form)