Vision Screening & Standards
The screening shows whether your vision meets Virginia’s standards to safely drive. A DMV staff member will ask you to look into a machine and read a series of letters or number. While this is not a medical screening, failure may mean you will be asked to visit an eye care professional before receiving a license.
If you need glasses and contact lenses to pass your vision screening, you will be required to wear them while driving.
Restriction types:
Unrestricted Drivers License:
- 20/40 or better vision in one or both eyes,
- 110 degrees, or better, horizontal vision in one or both eyes, or comparable measurement that shows a field of vision within this range.
Driving restricted to daylight hours only:
- 20/70 or better vision in one or both eyes, and
- 70 degrees, or better, horizontal vision. If you have vision in only one eye, you must have horizontal vision of at least 30 degrees or better when looking toward your nose and 40 degrees or better when looking toward your temple, or comparable measurement that shows a field of vision within this range.
- A daylight driving only restricted license permits you to drive only during the period of time beginning a half-hour after sunrise and ending a half-hour before sunset.
Requires glasses/contacts:
- Needed if either were used to pass the screening
- License will display an C for this restriction
- Restriction may be removed after having laser surgery. you must visit a DMV customer service center and pass the vision screening without wearing glasses or contact lenses or submit a Vision Screening Report (MED 4)
- If you wear bioptic telescopic lenses, read the DMV publication Driver’s Licensing Information for Bioptic Telescopic Lense Wearers(MED 44) available at www.dmvNOW.com or
contact DMV (804) 497-7100.