Quebec SAAQ Vision Test: 6/15 Acuity Standard and What Happens If You Fail (2026)

Quebec's SAAQ requires minimum 6/15 (20/50) binocular visual acuity and a 100-degree continuous horizontal field of vision. Corrective lenses are allowed and can result in a Condition A restriction.

What Vision Standard Does the SAAQ Require for a Quebec Class 5 Learner's Permit?

You must have a visual acuity of at least 6/15 (20/50) with both eyes open and examined together. This eyesight test for a permit also requires a continuous horizontal field of vision of at least 100 degrees.

How Does the SAAQ Vision Screening Work?

The SAAQ tests your vision screening for a driving permit at a service centre.

See the Quebec learner's permit guide for complete requirements.

• Acuity: Minimum 6/15 (20/50) binocular vision.
• Peripheral Vision: Minimum 100-degree continuous horizontal field.
• ? Testing Equipment: You will look into a binocular vision screener machine on the counter. You can request a standard wall chart test if the machine is difficult.
• ? Corrective Lenses: You must wear your glasses or contact lenses during the test if you need them for distance vision.

Colour Blindness and Quebec Learner's Licence Eligibility

Colour-vision problems are assessed rather than treated as an automatic refusal. The SAAQ eye examination form asks about severe difficulty distinguishing red, green or yellow. If the screening raises a concern, SAAQ can require an optometrist or ophthalmologist report before deciding whether a licence condition or restriction is needed.

One-Eye Vision and Quebec Learner's Licence Eligibility

Monocular vision is assessed case by case. The SAAQ eye examination form includes a specific monocular-vision section, so a person with vision in one eye may be asked for a professional eye report before SAAQ decides whether the Class 5 vision requirements are met.

Getting a Permit If You Wear Glasses

Yes, you can get a Class 5 (Learner) licence if you wear glasses or contacts.

• ? You must wear your corrective lenses during the vision test.
• ? If you pass with them, your licence will have a Condition A restriction.
• ? Condition A legally requires you to wear your corrective lenses every time you drive.

Do you need another SAAQ vision test after your glasses or contact-lens prescription changes? SAAQ does not list a routine prescription change by itself as an automatic retest trigger. If the change affects your ability to drive safely, you must report the health or vision change so SAAQ can decide whether another assessment is needed.

If You Fail the SAAQ Vision Screening

Failing the initial screening stops your application. The clerk will give you a medical form.

• Where to go for an eye exam: You must take the form to a licensed Quebec optometrist or ophthalmologist for a full eye exam.
• Cost of an outside vision exam:
• Returning the same day: You cannot retest with your glasses at the SAAQ the same day. You must get the external exam form completed by the specialist and submit it to the SAAQ for review.

What Happens If You Fail the SAAQ Vision Test - Can You Return the Same Day?

Examples of Passing, Failing, and Retesting the SAAQ Vision Screening

These examples show common outcomes for the vision test pass permit process.

How to Avoid an Unnecessary SAAQ Vision-Test Failure

• ? Request the wall chart immediately if the machine is blurry to avoid an unnecessary failure and a costly external eye exam.
• ? Bring your backup glasses to your SAAQ appointment if you wear contacts, to avoid test failure due to dry eyes after a long wait.
• Complete all medical form sections before your optometrist visit to prevent the clinic from sending you home to fill it out, causing a rescheduling delay.