Alberta Class 7 Vision Screening: 20/50 Standard and Same-Day Retest

You must pass a vision screening to get a Class 7 learner's licence. The standards are set by Alberta Transportation.

What is the Alberta vision standard for a Class 7 learner's licence?

The vision requirements for a learner's permit are the same whether you use corrective lenses or not. Visual Acuity: At least 20/50 with both eyes open. Your weaker eye must be no worse than 20/200. Peripheral Vision: A continuous horizontal field of at least 120 degrees. Colour Vision: You must be able to identify red, amber, and green traffic signals. At the Medicine Hat registry, Reading glasses brought instead of distance glassesfailed the Registry vision chart.

Vision Testing Process and Equipment The vision screening for your driving permit happens at an Alberta registry agent after you pass the knowledge test.

• Primary Method: Most registries use an automated vision testing device.
• You look into a scope, read letters or symbols, and respond to lights to test peripheral vision.
• ✓ Alternative: You can request a standard wall chart (Snellen chart) test if the machine is unsuitable.
• ✓ Wearing Glasses/Contacts: You must wear your corrective lenses during the test if you need them for distance vision.
• Inform the agent before starting.

Getting a Permit with Glasses or Contacts

You can get a Class 7 learner's licence if you wear glasses or contacts in Alberta.

• ✓ If you pass the eyesight test for the permit using correction, a Condition Code 'A' (Adequate Lenses) is added to your licence.
• This condition legally requires you to wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive.
• ✓ Driving without them is a violation under the Traffic Safety Act and can result in fines.

Can you get an Alberta Class 7 if you are colour blind?

Yes, if you can reliably distinguish traffic lights. Alberta's driver medical standards allow drivers with impaired colour vision when they can tell traffic signals apart. The normal vision-screening rules still apply.

Can someone with vision in only one eye get a Class 7 licence?

It can be possible. Alberta's medical standards allow monocular drivers when the required visual-acuity and visual-field standards are met and a vision specialist confirms the driver has adjusted to the loss of depth perception. A road test or other functional assessment may be required in some cases.

Does failing the vision test affect a knowledge test you already passed? A failed vision screening prevents the licence from being issued until the vision requirement is resolved. It does not by itself change the result of the knowledge test. Follow the registry's referral instructions before returning.

Who completes Alberta's Visual Referral Report?

An optometrist or ophthalmologist completes the Visual Referral Report when Alberta requires one. The form is available through registry agents and Alberta's driver-fitness process. See Alberta driver fitness guidance.

If You Fail the Registry Vision Screening

Failing the initial screening is not a final denial. It triggers a requirement for a full eye exam. Where to go: The You may be referred to an optometrist or ophthalmologist to complete a Visual Referral Report, available at Alberta registry agents. You must take it to a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for a complete examination. Alberta Health does not cover routine eye exams for residents ages 19 to 64. Children 18 and under and seniors 65 and older receive one covered exam per year. Retesting same day: If you fail the vision test, you may correct the issue and retest the same day if the registry can accommodate you..

All Alberta permit requirements are covered in the Alberta permit guide.

The Alberta learner's permit guide has full eligibility details.

An applicant in Calgary forgot his glasses for his 3:30 PM appointment.

• ✗ He failed the acuity test.
• ✗ The registry agent advised he could not simply go home, get his glasses, and retest that day.
• ✓ He had to book a new appointment for the vision screening after securing his corrective lenses.

A driver in Lethbridge with monocular vision passed the acuity test with glasses but was referred for a specialist assessment due to his field of vision.

His ophthalmologist completed the form, confirming he met the 120-degree standard through head movement, and his licence was approved with Condition Code A.

Before your registry visit, confirm your current prescription is correct by checking you can clearly read a street sign from a reasonable distance.

An outdated prescription is a common reason for failing the vision test for a permit, leading to unnecessary referral costs and delays.