What are the vision requirements for a Delaware learner's permit?

You must pass a vision screening to get a Delaware learner's permit. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires at least 20/40 visual acuity in your better eye, with or without corrective lenses, and sufficient horizontal field of vision as assessed by the DMV. (The MV-312 form asks doctors to describe any field defect.) If your vision is between 20/41 and 20/50, you may receive a 'Daylight Driving Only' restriction. If your vision does not meet the minimum standard, the DMV will give you Form MV-312 to take to a licensed eye doctor. Submit the completed form by mail to Dover P.O. Box 698, by fax to 302-739-5667, or by email to DMVMedicalSection@Delaware.gov. Questions? Call (302) 744-2507.

Vision Testing Process and Standards

The DMV uses a vision screening machine at all locations, including Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown. You look into the device and read a standard eye chart.

Wear glasses or contacts if needed, bring them to every DMV visit.
Pass with corrective lenses = automatic Code B restriction on your permit. You must wear them every time you drive.
The screening checks both visual acuity and field of vision.

Vision Status	Permit Restriction	Impact
20/40 or better (natural)	None	Full privileges under GDL rules
20/40 or better (with lenses)	Corrective Lenses (Code B)	Must wear glasses/contacts to drive
20/41 to 20/50	Daylight Only (Code G)	Can only drive from sunrise to sunset

Review full vision standards in the Delaware Driver Manual.

Can I wear glasses or contacts during the Delaware DMV vision test?

Yes. Delaware's 20/40 standard can be met with or without glasses or contact lenses. If you need corrective lenses to pass, the license or permit is marked so you must wear them while driving.

What if only one eye meets Delaware's DMV vision requirement?

Delaware's driver manual says you must have at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. Vision between 20/40 and 20/50 may lead to daylight-only driving.

Does Delaware DMV test color blindness for a learner's permit? Delaware publishes a visual-acuity screening and a separate highway sign and signal test that can require identifying signal colors. It does not list a separate Class D color-blindness screening standard.

Delaware Corrective Lens Restriction: Code B on Your Permit

Yes. Wearing glasses or contacts is common. If you need them to meet the 20/40 vision standard, you will get a permit with a 'B' restriction.

This restriction is mandatory. Driving without your corrective lenses violates permit conditions.

Can my eye doctor complete a form instead of passing the DMV vision screening?

The DMV may require a vision evaluation or medical report when more review is needed. An eye doctor's form does not automatically replace the DMV screening; use it when the DMV asks for a professional evaluation.

If You Fail the DMV Vision Screening

Failing the initial screening is not a denial. The DMV will provide a Report of Visual Status (Form MV-312).

Get an Outside Eye Exam: You must visit a licensed optometrist or

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