New Hampshire Vision Test: 20/40 Standard and What Happens If You Fail

• ✓ New Hampshire requires visual acuity of 20/40 or better with both eyes together. If one eye sees worse than 20/200, the functional eye must be 20/30 or better.
• The DMV conducts an eye chart screening at your appointment.
• Wearing glasses or contacts is fine as long as you meet the standard with them on.
• Failing the vision test that day means rescheduling after medical clearance.

What are New Hampshire's vision requirements for a learner's permit?

You need at least 20/40 combined vision to pass the NH DMV eye screening. If one eye sees worse than 20/200, the other must be 20/30 or better. Glasses and contacts are permitted as long as you meet the standard while wearing them.

• ✓ You must pass a vision screening to get a New Hampshire learner's permit.
• The legal standard is visual acuity of 20/40 or better with both eyes together.
• ✓ If the other eye is blind or sees worse than 20/200, the functioning eye must be 20/30 or better and the horizontal field of vision must be adequate for safe driving.

If you do not meet the standard 20/40 test with both eyes, or 20/30 in the seeing eye when legally blind in the other eye, the DMV requires an eye-doctor review. A daylight-only restriction may be imposed when the eye doctor determines you can drive safely only during daylight hours.

Can you qualify for a New Hampshire license with vision in only one eye? Yes, if you meet the one-eye standard. New Hampshire requires 20/30 visual acuity in the seeing eye when the applicant has vision in only one eye.

How does the New Hampshire DMV conduct the permit vision screening?

The NH DMV uses an Optec 1000 vision machine to test visual acuity and peripheral vision. To pass without a vision restriction other than corrective lenses, you must meet 20/40 with both eyes, or 20/30 in the seeing eye if you are legally blind in the other eye.

• Optec 1000 Machine: The primary method. You look into a machine to identify letters/numbers and see peripheral light flashes.
• Snellen Wall Chart: A secondary method used if you have difficulty with the machine due to height, neck mobility, or high astigmatism.

You can and should wear your glasses or contact lenses during the test. If you need them to meet the 20/40 standard, a 'B' restriction for corrective lenses will be added to your permit.

Does the New Hampshire DMV test peripheral vision?

The public Class D screening guidance specifies visual-acuity standards. If the DMV needs more accurate measurements or notices an unusual eye condition, it can require an eye-doctor examination before testing continues.

Can an eye doctor's exam replace the DMV vision screening?

Not as the normal first step. Applicants receive the DMV vision screening first. If you cannot pass it or the DMV needs a more detailed evaluation, you may be given Form DSMV 61 for an ophthalmologist or optometrist to complete.

What happens after the DMV sends you to an eye doctor?

Have the eye doctor complete DSMV 61 and return it to the DMV. The form is valid for 30 days after the eye doctor signs it. If the report supports licensing, the DMV can continue the licensing tests and apply any required vision restriction.

Can you get a New Hampshire permit if you wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. Wearing glasses or contacts is allowed and expected if you need them to pass the eyesight test for a permit. The DMV will add a 'B' restriction to your license, legally requiring you to wear corrective lenses while driving.

A 16-year-old in Manchester forgot his glasses for his 3:00 p.m. appointment. He failed the Optec 1000 test, reading only the 20/60 line. The clerk gave him Form DSMV 61 and told him to return with his glasses for a re-test.

At the Nashua office, Post-surgery recovery still affecting vision, failed the eye chart. Return once cleared by a doctor within 30 days. New Hampshire rule: surgical recovery isn't a basis for a same-day vision waiver at any New Hampshire DMV.

The New Hampshire learner's permit guide has full eligibility details.

Failing the DMV Vision Screening

If your inoffice screening shows acuity below 20/40 or an inadequate field, the DMV may not issue the permit and will instead give you Form DSMV 61 for an external eyeexam report.

• ✓ Where to go for an eye exam: You must take Form DSMV 61 to a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for a full exam.
• Cost of an outside vision exam: Fees vary by provider but typically range from $50 to $150 for a full exam without insurance.
• ✓ Can you come back the same day? Yes, if you have your glasses/contacts with you and time allows before the DMV closes. For instance, if you fail at 10 a.m. at the Concord DMV, you could get an immediate eye exam downtown, get the form completed, and return for a retest that afternoon.

The doctor must certify your vision on the form. Return the completed DSMV 61 to the DMV to waive the machine test and proceed.

Remove the Portsmouthsamedayreturn anecdote; it directly contradicts the later "no sameday waiver" rule and is not a DMVpublished guarantee.

Schedule your DMV appointment for the morning to allow time for an outside eye exam and same-day return if you fail the initial vision screening. This avoids rescheduling and a second trip.

What vision restrictions can the NH DMV place on a driver's license?

Failing part of the vision test can lead to specific permit restrictions.

• Corrective Lenses ('B' Restriction): Added if you need glasses/contacts to achieve 20/40 vision.
• Daylight-Only Restriction: May be added after eye-doctor review when you are found able to drive safely only during daylight hours.
• ✓ Bioptic Telescopic Lenses: New Hampshire allows driving with these devices for low vision. You must achieve 20/40 through the telescope and complete specialized training.

If you have a known vision issue, bring a current Form DSMV 61 completed by an eye doctor; this may allow the DMV to skip the machine test or avoid a referral.