Delaware DMV Vision Test: 20/40 Standard, Code B Restrictions, and Same-Day Retests

You must pass a vision screening to get a Delaware learner's permit.

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.

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).

1. Get an Outside Eye Exam: You must visit a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for a detailed exam.
2. Complete the Form: The doctor fills out the MV-312, detailing your acuity and field of vision.
3. Return to DMV: Submit the completed form to the DMV's Driver Improvement section for review. For vision worse than 20/50, mail to Dover P.O. Box 698.

Where to go for an eye exam: Any licensed eye care professional in Delaware.

How much does an outside vision exam cost: Fees vary by provider; contact local optometrists in Delaware directly for current pricing.

Can you come back the same day with glasses/contacts and retest vision: Yes. If you fail without correction, you can return the same day with your glasses or contacts to retake the screening, provided the DMV office is still open.

Common Delaware DMV Vision Test Problems and What to Do

Delaware's vision screening requirement caught a Newark applicant off guard. Leila never knew glasses were needed until she reached the DMV eye chart. She failed the screening, received Form MV-312, and had to visit an optometrist before returning to resubmit. Optometrists in Newark book 2 weeks out, get your eye check done before your DMV appointment, not after.

Example 2 (Pass with Restriction): A student in Newark wore her contact lenses to the Wilmington DMV. She passed the vision test easily but received the 'B' restriction on her permit. She must now ensure she has her contacts or a spare pair of glasses every time she drives during her 50 hours of supervised practice.

Example 3 (Same-Day Retest): An applicant at the Georgetown office failed the peripheral vision test. The examiner suggested dry eyes might be a factor. He used lubricating drops, rested his eyes for 20 minutes, and retested successfully before the office closed, passing without needing a doctor's form.

Actionable Tips to Avoid Problems

• Bring a backup pair of glasses to your DMV appointment to avoid failing due to lost contacts or eye irritation from long waits.
• Start your permit application at Delaware learner's permit application guide to cut wait times before you reach the vision test counter.
• Practice identifying standard road signs at a distance before your test to build confidence for the vision screening's chart and sign recognition elements.

The Class D driver license fee covers the learner's permit, there is no separate standalone permit fee. After passing the vision and written knowledge tests, you will receive your Level One Learner's Permit. See current fees at dmv.de.gov/Common/DMVFees. See the full Delaware learner's permit guide at shoro.ai. The Delaware DMV vision screening standard for a learner's permit is covered in the Delaware learner's permit guide at shoro.ai.