Kansas Learner's Permit Vision Test: Standards, Failed Tests, Restrictions and Retakes

The Kansas permit test has 20. This page covers the format, scoring, and what trips most first-time applicants.

What Vision Standard Does Kansas Require for a Learner's Permit?

You must pass a vision screening showing at least 20/40 distance vision in one eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you cannot meet 20/40 at the exam station, you will be given a form to take to an eye doctor.

Kansas Vision Screening Standards and What Happens at the Test

The Kansas Division of Vehicles uses your best eye, with or without corrective lenses, to decide if you meet the minimum for an instruction permit.

Full Kansas permit rules are at the Kansas learner's permit guide.

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

• Standard at the exam station: Read at least 20/40 in one eye on the screening equipment.
• With corrective lenses: If you need glasses or contacts to reach 20/40, you qualify but get a 'CORRECTIVE LENSES' restriction.
• Peripheral vision: Your eye doctor must measure your horizontal field of vision on the official form; the Division typically looks for a wide field.
• Testing equipment: Most offices use tabletop vision machines; some may use a wall chart.

Wearing Glasses or Contacts During the Test

You can and should wear your glasses or contact lenses for the vision screening.

• Wear your correction before you step up to the vision machine so the reading reflects your driving vision.
• If you only meet the 20/40 standard while wearing them, your permit will be marked with a corrective lenses restriction.
• Contacts count as corrective lenses; you do not need a separate restriction.

• At the Counter: Bring a backup pair of glasses to your DMV appointment to avoid being turned away if your primary pair breaks, which can cause a months-long delay for some teens in rural areas.
• If your vision is worse than 20/40 in both eyes at the station, you will not get your permit that day. The examiner will give you a Kansas Vision Form (DV-124V) to take to an eye doctor.
• Example from Wichita: A 15-year-old at the Sedgwick County exam station scored 20/50 on the machine. He was given the DV-124V form, scheduled a next-day appointment with a local optometrist for $85, and returned the following week with his report to continue his application.
• Yes. Wearing glasses or contacts is common and the vision rules are designed to work with standard corrective lenses.
• If you need correction to pass, your permit will show Restriction B for 'Corrective Lenses.'
• Example from Overland Park: A student wore her new contact lenses to the Johnson County office and passed the eyesight test for her permit. Her permit was issued with the corrective lenses restriction, which also applied when she later upgraded to her full license.
• Failing the initial screening moves your application into a medical/vision review path.
• Example from Topeka: An applicant at the Shawnee County office failed the peripheral vision check on the machine. He obtained a full eye exam, which confirmed a sufficient field of vision. He returned with the form, passed a required road test, and received a permit with a daylight-only restriction.
• Worth Noting: Download and print the DV-124V form from the Kansas DOV website before your eye doctor visit to ensure they use the correct state form, preventing rejection and a second appointment.

Can you retake the vision test the same day after getting glasses or contacts? If the correction is available and the office can retest you, ask the examiner whether you can be screened again that day. A case sent for formal outside vision review follows the DV-124V process instead.

Fees and Where Testing Occurs

The vision screening is included in your permit visit at any Kansas Driver License Exam Station or participating county office. There is no separate fee for the in-office test.

Before You Go: Check the online appointment system for smaller county offices like in Coffeyville or Hays for earlier slots, as metro-area offices in Kansas City or Wichita often have weeks-long wait times for walk-in vision screenings.

Can a Recent Eye Exam Replace the Kansas DOV Vision Screening?

Kansas can accept a vision examination from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist when it meets the state timing and form requirements. Depending on the results, the Division may still require additional review or testing.

What Happens After Kansas Refers You to an Eye Doctor?

Have the vision professional complete the Kansas DV-124V form using a recent examination. The form is reviewed by the Medical/Vision Unit, and Kansas may clear the application, add a restriction, or require further review.

Can Someone With Vision in Only One Eye Qualify for a Kansas Permit?

Monovision does not automatically disqualify a driver, but it can trigger additional vision review. Kansas uses acuity and horizontal-field results to decide whether Medical Advisory Board review or restrictions are needed.