Ontario G1 Vision Test: DriveTest Eye Standards and Corrective Lens Rules (2026)

To pass the Ontario G1 vision screening, you need at least 20/50 visual acuity with both eyes open and a horizontal field of at least 120 continuous degrees. Corrective lenses are permitted.

• To get a G1 licence in Ontario, you must pass a vision screening.
• The requirements are the same whether you use corrective lenses or not.
• Prepare with Ontario G1 practice tests.

What are the Ontario DriveTest vision standards for a G1 licence?

You need a visual acuity of at least 20/50 with both eyes open and examined together, plus a horizontal field of at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation. You can wear glasses or contacts to meet this standard.

Vision Standards and Testing Process

The vision screening is a mandatory first step at any DriveTest Centre. You must meet specific acuity and peripheral vision standards.

• ✓ Acuity Requirement: 20/50 vision with both eyes tested together.
• ⚠ Peripheral Vision: A horizontal visual field of at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation.
• ⚠ Testing Equipment: The screening uses a binocular-type vision machine. If the machine cannot be used or causes difficulty, the screener may use an alternative method such as a wall chart.
• ⚠ Wearing Glasses/Contacts: You must wear your corrective lenses during the test if you need them for distance vision. If you need corrective lenses to meet the standard, a corrective-lenses condition (Condition X) is added to your licence.

Example: An applicant in Mississauga failed the machine test due to astigmatism but passed immediately when they asked for and used the wall chart.

Can you get an Ontario G1 if you only have vision in one eye?

Possibly. Ontario says a person with vision in one eye is screened using the functioning eye. You still need to meet the applicable Class G vision standard or any approved waiver requirements.

Does colour blindness affect Ontario G1 eligibility?

Ontario's Class G/G1 vision standard is based on visual acuity and visual field. Colour vision is not listed as a separate G1 threshold in the regulation.

Getting a G1 Licence with Glasses

Wearing glasses or contact lenses is fully permitted. If you pass the eyesight test for a permit using them, a condition is added to your licence.

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

• Condition X: This code is printed on your licence. Driving without your required corrective lenses is a traffic violation; check the current provincial Schedule of Fines for the exact penalty.

Example: A driver in Ottawa forgot their glasses for a road test and was turned away, resulting in a lost test fee and a rescheduled appointment.

What licence condition is added if you need glasses or contacts to pass? An X condition on the Ontario driver's licence indicates that corrective lenses are required while driving.

Failing the DriveTest Vision Screening

If you fail the initial vision screening, you cannot proceed with the written test. The agent will give you a Vision Report form.

• Where to go for an eye exam: You must take the Vision Report to a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist in Ontario for a full assessment.
• Cost of the outside vision exam: For adults aged 20-64, this exam is typically not covered by OHIP. You must pay out-of-pocket for the assessment and form completion. Costs vary by practitioner.
• Retesting the same day: You cannot retest with glasses/contacts the same day if you fail the screening. You must complete the external Vision Report process and return with the completed form.

Example: An applicant at the Toronto Metro East centre failed the screening, had to book a paid optometrist appointment for the following week, and returned with the completed form to continue their application.

When does DriveTest require an optometrist or medical vision report?

If the standard screening raises a vision issue or you do not meet the normal standard, DriveTest or the Ministry may require further medical or vision information before deciding whether you can be licensed.

Practical Tips for the Vision Test

You need a visual acuity of at least 20/50 with both eyes open and examined together, plus a horizontal field of at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation. You can wear glasses or contacts to meet this standard. Vision Standards and Testing Process The vision screening is a mandatory first step at any DriveTest Centre. You must meet specific acuity and peripheral vision standards. ✓

• Acuity Requirement: 20/50 vision with both eyes tested together. ⚠
• Peripheral Vision: A horizontal visual field of at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation. ⚠
• Testing Equipment: The screening uses a binocular-type vision machine. If the machine cannot be used or causes difficulty, the screener may use an alternative method such as a wall chart. ⚠
• Wearing Glasses/Contacts: You must wear your corrective lenses during the test if you need them for distance vision. If you need corrective lenses to meet the standard, a corrective-lenses condition (Condition X) is added to your licence
• Example: An applicant in Mississauga failed the machine test due to astigmatism but passed immediately when they asked for and used the wall chart. Getting a G1 Licence with Glasses Wearing glasses or contact lenses is fully permitted. If you pass the eyesight test for a permit using them, a condition is added to your licence. Correction Type Licence Condition Glasses Condition X (Must wear corrective lenses) Contact Lenses Condition X (Must wear corrective lenses) Vision Correction Surgery Condition X can be removed if you pass a new vision test without corrective lenses and your optometrist documents that uncorrected vision meets the 20/50-and-120-degree standard Condition X: This code is printed on your licence. Driving without your required corrective lenses is a traffic violation; check the current provincial Schedule of Fines for the exact penalty
• Example: A driver in Ottawa forgot their glasses for a road test and was turned away, resulting in a lost test fee and a rescheduled appointment. Failing the DriveTest Vision Screening If you fail the initial vision screening, you cannot proceed with the written test. The agent will give you a Vision Report form
• Where to go for an eye exam: You must take the Vision Report to a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist in Ontario for a full assessment
• Cost of the outside vision exam: For adults aged 20-64, this exam is typically not covered by OHIP. You must pay out-of-pocket for the assessment and form completion. Costs vary by practitioner
• Retesting the same day: You cannot retest with glasses/contacts the same day if you fail the screening. You must complete the external Vision Report process and return with the completed form
• Example: An applicant at the Toronto Metro East centre failed the screening, had to book a paid optometrist appointment for the following week, and returned with the completed form to continue their application. Practical Tips for the Vision Test

• Request the wall chart test immediately if you struggle with the counter machine to avoid an unnecessary failure and referral for an external eye exam for an G1 licence.
• Bring a backup pair of glasses to your DriveTest appointment to avoid being turned away if your primary pair breaks or your contact lenses become uncomfortable during a long wait.
• Ensure your prescription is current before your appointment to pass the vision screening on the first attempt and avoid the cost and delay of a separate Vision Report exam.