California DMV Vision Test: 20/40 Standard, DL 62 Referral, and Restriction B on Your Permit

You must meet specific vision standards to get a California instruction permit. The standard is 20/40 with both eyes together. You also need 20/40 in one eye, and 20/70 in the other. Adequate peripheral vision is required.

The California DMV Vision Screening - What Actually Happens at the Counter

The DMV vision screening is mandatory. You will look into a wall-mounted chart or an Optec-style vision testing machine at the DMV counter.

• Corrective Lenses: You must wear your glasses or contact lenses during the test if you need them for distance vision. Tell the DMV tester you're wearing contact lenses.
• Bifocals: If you wear bifocals, look through the distance section during the screening.
• Passing the Test: If you meet the 20/40 standard while wearing your corrective lenses, you pass. Your permit will include a 'Corrective Lenses' restriction (Restriction B).
• A 16-year-old in San Diego wore her updated prescription glasses to the Claremont Mesa DMV and easily read the 20/40 line on the first try, receiving her permit with the standard restriction.

Can You Get a California Permit With Vision in Only One Eye?

Possibly. Monocular vision does not create an automatic denial. If you do not meet DMV's normal screening standard, DMV can require a DL 62 vision report and a driving evaluation before deciding whether to issue a permit or license with appropriate restrictions. See DMV Vision Conditions.

Does Color Blindness Automatically Disqualify You?

California DMV's published vision standard focuses on visual acuity and does not list color blindness as an automatic disqualifier. If another vision condition affects safe driving or you do not meet the screening standard, DMV may require further medical review.

Failed the California DMV Vision Screen: DL 62, Eye Exam, and What Comes Next

If you cannot pass the standard screening, the DMV clerk will give you a Report of Vision Examination (Form DL 62). If you fail screening, DMV refers you using DL 62. DMV reviews DL 62 before issuing driving privileges.

• Where to Go: You must have this form completed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• Exam Cost: An outside vision exam typically costs between $50 and $150 without insurance, depending on the provider.
• Retesting: You can return to the DMV the same day with glasses or contacts and retest if you obtain them immediately. However, if you need a full eye exam and prescription, you will need to schedule a new DMV appointment.
• An applicant in Fresno failed the initial screening at the Fresno North DMV. He went to a nearby optometrist, paid $75 for an exam, got a new glasses prescription, and returned the next day to pass the retest.

Can DMV Issue a Restricted Permit if You Do Not Meet the Normal Vision Standard?

Yes, in some cases. After reviewing the DL 62 and any required driving evaluation, DMV may issue a restricted license or instruction permit when restrictions can allow safe driving or additional practice.

What Happens After Your Eye Doctor Completes DL 62?

Return the completed DL 62 to DMV as directed. DMV reviews the vision information and may require a drive test or Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation before deciding whether you can drive safely and whether restrictions are needed.

Restriction B on Your California Permit - Glasses, Contacts, and LASIK

Getting a permit with glasses or contacts is standard. The 'Corrective Lenses' restriction (Restriction B) is printed on your permit.

A teen in Sacramento passed her vision test with contacts but forgot to bring her backup glasses. During her behind-the-wheel test months later, a contact lens tore. She had to reschedule her driving test, causing a two-month delay.

Four Steps That Prevent a Vision Test Delay at the California DMV

Bring backup glasses even if you wear contacts. Clean lenses before the screening. Check your prescription is current before the appointment. Complete the eDL 44 online to save counter time before your vision test.

• Bring a backup pair of glasses to your DMV appointment to avoid rescheduling if a contact lens irritates your eye before the vision test.
• Clean your glasses lenses thoroughly before the test; smudges can blur the chart letters and cause an unnecessary failure.
• Complete the online Driver's License/ID application (eDL44) first to minimize form errors and reduce your time at the DMV counter.

vision failures happen because people rush in without checking their prescription first. For more details on how to apply for your California instruction permit, including all required documents and steps, review the complete application process before your vision screening appointment.