Arkansas Permit Vision Test: 20/40 Minimum, Restriction Code B Explained

You must pass a vision screening to get an Arkansas Instruction Permit, a mandatory step for all first-time drivers in Arkansas. Glasses and contacts are allowed during the test. If you need corrective lenses to pass, your permit gets a restriction code.

What Are the DFA Vision Standards for an Arkansas Learner's Permit?

Arkansas requires at least 20/40 visual acuity in your better eye. If uncorrected vision is worse, you must correct it to at least 20/70. Peripheral vision must reach 140 degrees with both eyes open.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) sets minimum visual acuity and peripheral vision requirements. Download the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide for complete rules.

• Visual Acuity: At least 20/40 in your better eye without correction. If uncorrected vision is worse than 20/40, you must correct it to at least 20/70 with glasses or contacts.
• Peripheral Vision: Minimum 140 degrees with both eyes. One-eyed applicants need 105 degrees.
• Restriction Code B: Pass with glasses or contacts? Your permit gets a "Corrective Lenses" restriction. You must wear them every time you drive, this is Arkansas law, not a suggestion.

The B restriction on your permit follows you until you prove you no longer need corrective lenses.

Does color blindness prevent you from getting an Arkansas permit?

Color blindness is not listed as an automatic failure in Arkansas's published permit vision standards. The state focuses on visual acuity and field of vision. See the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide.

Can you get an Arkansas learner's permit with vision in only one eye?

Yes, if you meet the applicable vision standards. Arkansas uses a 105-degree field-of-vision standard for a person with one functional eye; the normal acuity rules still apply.

DFA Vision Screening: How the Process Works in Arkansas

Vision screening happens at the DFA Revenue Office counter before you can sit the written knowledge exam. The clerk uses an Optec screener, you read characters and signal when peripheral lights appear.

• Location: Any DFA Revenue Office. Little Rock, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, all administer the same screening during regular hours.
• Equipment: Examiners use a vision screening machine like an Optec screener. You look into the device and read letters or numbers. For peripheral vision, you signal when flashing lights appear in your side vision.
• Corrective Lenses: Wear your glasses or contacts during the test if you need them. Tell the clerk if you have contacts in.

If You Fail the Arkansas Permit Vision Screening: What Happens Next

Failing the 20/70 corrected standard or peripheral requirements stops your application immediately. The DFA examiner gives you a Visual Status Report (Form 24-4001) to take to an eye doctor.

1. Take the form to an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
2. The eye doctor completes a full exam and certifies your vision within 30 days.
3. Return the completed form to DFA. If the doctor certifies safe driving vision (with or without restrictions), DFA may accept it instead of the counter test.

just get your eyes checked before showing up. At the Fort Smith office, Amara's glasses broke that morning, nothing to correct her vision at the chart. The vision test failed on the spot; she needed an optometrist visit before returning within 2 weeks. Fort Smith optometrists run 2-week waits themselves, book immediately, do not wait.

Do you have to retake the vision screening after an eye doctor clears you?

Bring the completed ASP-90 vision referral back as instructed. Arkansas says the vision test and referral form are valid for one year, and the completed referral is used to decide whether you may continue with a restriction or other vision condition.

Glasses and Contacts During the Arkansas Permit Vision Test

Yes. Pass the screening with corrective lenses and your permit gets Restriction Code B, driving without them is a traffic violation under Arkansas Code 27-16-805, not just a suggestion.

Yes. Millions of Arkansas drivers wear corrective lenses. The process is simple if you come prepared.

• Bring Your Glasses: Do not leave them in the car. The vision test happens right after you hand over your required documents.
• Legal Requirement: The B restriction is law under Arkansas Code 27-16-805. Driving without your prescribed correction is a traffic violation.
• Contacts Work: DFA accepts contact lenses. Just tell the examiner you're wearing them.

Arkansas's review-screen rule caught one Springdale applicant who changed a correct answer during review, failed by exactly 1 point. Mandatory 7-day hold before retaking. The AR review screen is a trap; most 1-point failures come from second-guessing answers you already knew.

Do you take another vision test when reapplying after an expired permit? Yes. Arkansas says an expired instruction permit requires the applicant to retake all phases of the driver examination, and vision is part of the instruction-permit testing process.

Does the Arkansas Permit Vision Test Have a Separate Fee or Document List?

The vision screening is part of the permit process and does not have a separate vision-test fee. Bring the documents required for your permit application and age group.

For the full identity/residency checklist, see Required Documents. For permit, testing, and payment details, use the dedicated permit-cost guide.