Nebraska Permit Vision Test: 20/40 Acuity, Restriction B

Nebraska requires 20/40 visual acuity and 140 degrees peripheral vision for learner's permits. These DMV vision requirements apply to all first-time permit applicants statewide. Most teens pass with glasses or contacts.

Nebraska's Vision Standard: 20/40 Acuity, 140-Degree Field

Nebraska DMV requires 20/40 visual acuity in at least one eye and a 140-degree horizontal visual field. You must also distinguish red, green, and yellow colors to pass the screening.

• Visual Acuity: 20/40 or better with or without corrective lenses
• Peripheral Vision: Minimum 140 degrees horizontal field of view
• Color Recognition: Distinguish red, green, and amber traffic signals

These standards apply whether you're 15 or 17. The Nebraska DMV learner's permit program has consistent vision requirements statewide.

Inside the Nebraska DMV Optec Screening Machine

Nebraska DMV uses the Optec vision screening machine at the counter. The test takes under two minutes and checks acuity, peripheral range, and color discrimination without a separate appointment.

You look into a viewfinder and read letters on the 20/40 line. The machine also tests peripheral vision by flashing lights in your side vision. Staff will ask you to identify when lights appear in your periphery.

• Takes 2-3 minutes to complete
• No advance practice needed
• Wear glasses or contacts if prescribed

Bring your current prescription eyewear. If you pass with corrective lenses, your permit gets Restriction B requiring you to always wear them while driving.

Failed the Nebraska Vision Screening - Here's the Protocol

Failing the Nebraska DMV vision screening means you cannot test that day. You must visit a licensed optometrist and return with a completed Statement of Vision Exam form DMV 06-18.

1. DMV staff gives you the Statement of Vision form (DMV 06-18)
2. Take the form to any licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist
3. Doctor completes precise acuity and field measurements
4. Return completed form within 90 days

You can return the same day with proper glasses if you simply forgot them. However, if corrective lenses don't help you pass, the outside exam is mandatory.

Restriction B: Getting a Nebraska Permit with Corrective Lenses

Nebraska Restriction B prints on your permit if you pass only while wearing glasses or contacts. You must wear your correction device every time you drive or face a violation citation.

• Your permit shows Restriction B (Code 1)
• Must wear prescribed correction every time you drive
• Driving without them violates traffic law

If your vision improves through surgery like LASIK, return to DMV for retesting. You'll pay a $16.00 replacement fee for an unrestricted permit after passing without correction. Learn more about Nebraska DMV license restrictions and their removal process.

Outside Eye Exam After Failing Nebraska DMV Vision Screen

A Nebraska optometrist vision exam after a DMV fail costs $50 to $150 without insurance. The DMV accepts the completed Form DMV 06-18 signed by your eye doctor as proof of corrected vision.

• Provider Options: Optometrists or ophthalmologists statewide
• Exam Cost: $50 to $150 without insurance coverage
• Form Validity: 90 days from examination date

The DMV covers no exam costs. Schedule promptly since the 90-day deadline is strict. Reference the Nebraska DL Examiner Manual for complete vision standards if your eye doctor has questions.

Vision Test Mistakes That Delay Nebraska DMV Appointments

The most common Nebraska DMV vision test failures are dry contact lenses, forgotten glasses, and arriving without Restriction B correction. Bring rewetting drops and your prescription eyewear to every visit.

• Wrong prescription strength: A Lincoln teen wore outdated glasses with weak prescription and failed acuity testing
• Unclear form dates: An Omaha applicant's handwritten exam date was illegible, forcing DMV rejection
• Contact lens problems: A Grand Island student tried inserting contacts in the DMV restroom after failing, but eye irritation worsened retest performance

Get an eye exam before your 15th birthday if you suspect vision problems. Bringing a pre-completed Statement of Vision form (dated within 90 days) prevents immediate failure and weeks of delays.

Check your proof of address requirements before visiting DMV. Bank statements and utility bills must be dated within 90 days. A Scottsbluff applicant passed vision testing but was turned away because one utility bill was 94 days old.

Real Nebraska DMV Experiences

One Lincoln applicant's contacts dried out during a 40-minute wait and they failed the vision test. Returning two hours later with rewetted contacts, they passed. Lincoln DMV waits regularly hit 40 minutes - bring rewetting drops if you wear contacts.