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. Intrastate Only CDL or Commercial Learner's Permit. In order to qualify for a driver license or motorcycle license, a driver must meet Minimum Visual Acuity Standards. The minimum vision for most drivers to qualify for an unrestricted license is 20/40. The minimum requirement for an unrestricted license is 70 degrees of side vision in each eye. A new regulation would allow truck drivers who cannot meet current federal vision standards of either distant visual acuity or field of vision, or both, in one eye to be physically qualified to. VISION TEST REPORT You may renew online, by mail, or in person at your DMV office. Renewal online or by mail: a. Find a provider in DMV’s Vision Registry at dmv.ny.gov/vision-registry-locator. If one of these providers completes your required vision test, you do not need this form to renew your driver license.
The Vision Exam
When applying for a license or permit for the 1st time, you will be required to have your eyes tested. Your eyes will be tested with a mechanical device at the customer service center. The applicant must meet the following requirements, with or without corrective lenses, to pass the vision exam:
Drivers Vision Exam
Regular Class Driver's License
- 20/60 in one eye and at least 140-degree field of vision.
- If you fail the field vision screening you will be required to have a Vision Report Form (DS-274) completed by a licensed practitioner.
Commercial Class Driver's License
- Federal Requirements are 20/40 in each eye and at least 140-degree field of vision.
- If these vision requirements are not met, a CDL Vision Exemption Form (DDSVE1) must be submitted to make a request to be exempted from Federal CDL vision requirements. If the exemption is granted, the driver would only be given a Georgia Intra-State Driver's License.
Applicants who have a vision restriction on their driver's license and elect to have surgery to correct their vision must come into a Customer Service Center and pass the vision exam to have the restriction removed from their driver's license.
Health - Medical
An applicant previously assessed with a disqualifying physical or mental disability or disease will need to:
- Have a licensed physician determine if your medical condition makes it impossible for you to drive safely.
- Have a licensed physician fill out a Medical Evaluation Form (DS-287).
- The medical evaluation form (DS-287) should be mailed or faxed by the licensed physician directly to:
Department of Driver Services
Medical Review Unit
PO Box 80047
Conyers, GA 30013
Fax to 770-344-3629
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.
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.
Laser Surgery
If you must wear glasses or contact lenses when you drive, your driver's license will show a vision restriction. To have the vision restriction removed after having LASIK surgery to correct your vision, you must either:
- 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, OR
- Submit the following by mail:
- A completed Driver's License and Identification Card Application (DL1P)
- A Vision Screening Report (MED 4) that has been signed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within the last 3 months. The MED 4 must indicate that you meet the minimum visual requirements without wearing glasses or contact lenses.
- A $20 payment for the replacement license
- Mail these items to:
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Driver's License and ID Card Work Center
- P. O. Box 27412
- Richmond, VA 23269-0001
DMV will process your request and send you a replacement license by mail with the vision restriction removed.
If the expiration date on your license is less than six months away, you may choose to renew your driver's license instead of replacing it.
Vision Requirements
Driver's Vision Enhancer Drs
| License Type | Minimum Requirements | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License |
| |
| Restricted to Daylight Hours Only |
| 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 |
| These visual requirements must be met without the aid of a telescopic lens. Some drivers may be granted waivers from these vision requirements. |
| Intrastate Only CDL or Commercial Learner's Permit | If you are unable to meet Virginia minimum vision requirements for a commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit, you may apply to Medical Review Services for a disability waiver to qualify for an intrastate only CDL or commercial learner's permit, provided you meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) minimum vision requirements in one eye:
| To qualify to transport hazardous materials with limited vision, see Conditions of Variance for CDL Driver to Haul Hazardous Materials. For additional information, refer to the Application for a CDL Disability Waiver or Hazardous Materials Variance (MED-30). |
Bioptic Telescopic Lens
If you wear bioptic telescopic lenses, see Bioptic Telescopic Lens Wearers for requirements.