BC Class 7L Vision Standards: What ICBC Tests and What Happens If You Fail

You must pass a vision screening at an ICBC driver licensing office to get your Class 7L licence.

What Are BC's Vision Requirements for the ICBC Class 7L Screening?

You must pass a vision screening at an ICBC driver licensing office to get your Class 7L licence. BC follows the national non-commercial driver vision standard: 20/50 in the better eye. RoadSafetyBC administers the standard; if you need corrective lenses, ICBC adds Restriction 21.

What Vision Standards Does ICBC Use for Class 7L Applicants?

• Visual Acuity: At least 20/50 (6/15) with both eyes open, or in one eye if you have monocular vision.
• Field of Vision: A continuous horizontal field of at least 120 degrees, plus 15 degrees above and below.
• ? Double Vision: Any diplopia must be corrected with a patch or prism lenses.

You can wear glasses or contact lenses to meet these standards. If you do, a Restriction 21 (Corrective Lenses Required) will be added to your licence.

How the ICBC Vision Screening Works

The screening happens at the counter when you take your knowledge test.

• Equipment: A vision screening machine (telebinocular) is used. You identify symbols and flashing lights.
• ? Alternative: If you cannot use the machine, a staff member may use a Snellen wall chart.

Example: A teen in Surrey failed the machine test because she misunderstood the instructions for the peripheral light test. She returned the next day, asked for clarification, and passed.

Can you get an eye exam before going to ICBC if you think you may fail the vision test? You can see an optometrist beforehand, but a private eye exam does not replace the screening ICBC requires for the licensing transaction. If ICBC needs more information, it may ask for a formal vision report.

Can You Wear Glasses or Contacts for the ICBC Vision Test?

Yes, you can get a Class 7L licence if you wear glasses or contacts. You must wear them during the vision screening.

• ? If you pass the test while wearing them, you will get your licence with Restriction 21.
• ? This restriction legally requires you to wear corrective lenses every time you drive.
• ?? Driving without them results in a $109 fine and 3 penalty points.

At the Counter: Bring a backup pair of glasses or your contact lens case to your appointment. If your primary correction fails the screening, you can try your backup immediately, potentially avoiding a referral for an outside eye exam.

Can You Get a BC Class 7L If You Are Colour Blind?

Usually, yes. RoadSafetyBC says drivers with impaired colour vision can be licensed if they can discriminate between different traffic lights. Colour blindness by itself does not automatically disqualify a Class 7L applicant.

What Happens If You Fail the Vision Test at an ICBC Driver Licensing Office?

Vision Test Failed: Nanaimo: Old contact lens prescription no longer correcting adequately—failed the ICBC vision screening. New optometrist appointment needed before returning within 2 weeks. BC tip: Nanaimo optometrists book 2+ weeks out; schedule your eye exam before booking the ICBC appointment.

Visit the British Columbia learner's permit guide for step-by-step rules.

Failing the initial screening pauses your application but does not permanently deny a licence.

Where to Go for an Eye Exam After Failing ICBC's Screening

ICBC will give you a Report on Visual Function form. You must take it to a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for a full clinical eye exam.

• Find a BC Doctor of Optometry.
• The doctor completes the form with your precise acuity and visual field measurements.
• You return the form to the driver licensing office for RoadSafetyBC review.

Example: A Vancouver applicant with an outdated prescription failed the ICBC test. He visited an optometrist on West Broadway, got a new prescription, and returned with the completed form the following week. RoadSafetyBC approved his application.

Cost of an Outside Vision Exam in BC

A full clinical eye exam typically costs between $100 and $150, not covered by MSP unless you are under 19 or over 65. The fee is for the assessment and form completion.

Can You Retake the ICBC Vision Test the Same Day With Glasses?

You cannot usually retest the same day if you fail. The process requires a full external eye exam and RoadSafetyBC review, which takes time.

• ? Example: In Victoria, a learner forgot her glasses and failed the screening.
• ? She retrieved them from her car, but the office could not retest her that day as the fail triggered the formal referral process requiring the specialist form.
  • Worth Noting: Schedule your knowledge test for the morning.
  • ? If you fail the vision screening, you have the rest of
  • the day to contact an optometrist's office, book an appointment, and start the medical review process without losing a full day.

Meaning of Restriction 21 on a BC Driver's Licence

• Code '21' appears on the back of your licence under restrictions.
• ? It means 'Corrective Lenses Required' by law.
• This restriction stays on your licence through all stages, including your Class 7 Novice and full Class 5 licence.

Before You Go: Before your road test, confirm your glasses prescription is current. An examiner can cancel your test if they suspect your vision with correction is inadequate, forcing you to reschedule after a new eye exam.

Can ICBC Remove Restriction 21 If Your Eyesight Improves?

Possibly, but the restriction stays in force until ICBC or RoadSafetyBC formally removes it. Contact ICBC for the review steps; updated vision testing or another assessment may be required.

Do you need another ICBC vision test after eye surgery or a major prescription change? Not every prescription change automatically triggers a new licensing test. If the change affects a licence restriction or your ability to meet the vision standard, contact ICBC or RoadSafetyBC before driving without the restriction.

If RoadSafetyBC Asks for More Vision Testing After Your Eye Exam

RoadSafetyBC may ask for another vision report, visual-field testing or a functional assessment when the first report does not provide enough information. Follow the request in the notice before returning to complete the licensing step.

Practice free BC Class 7L knowledge test questions at shoro.ai/BC — 50 questions, ICBC-style, updated for 2026.