New York DMV Vision Test: 20/40 Acuity, 140-Degree Field, and What Fails You

You must pass a vision screening to apply for a New York learner permit.

The requirements are a visual acuity Drivers searching for how to pass the New York DMV eye test will find the 20/40 threshold achievable with corrective lenses, and the 140-degree peripheral field requirement is the part that catches people off guard.

of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes and a horizontal field of vision of at least 140 degrees.

New York DMV's vision standards for a learner permit

You need 20/40 visual acuity (achievable with one eye) and at least 140 degrees of peripheral vision. Glasses and contacts fully satisfy the requirement - you will receive a "B" restriction on your permit.

• Visual Acuity: You must read the 20/40 line on an eye chart, achievable with one eye meeting the standard.
• Field of Vision: Your peripheral vision must be at least 140 degrees wide.
• Correction: Using glasses or contact lenses to meet the 20/40 standard is fully permitted.
• Restriction: If you need correction to pass, a 'B' restriction is placed on your permit, legally requiring you to wear them while driving.

Can you pass the New York DMV vision test with one good eye?

Yes, the basic acuity standard can be met with one or both eyes. You still must meet any other vision requirements that apply to your case, with or without corrective lenses.

What happens if your corrected vision is worse than 20/40?

If your best corrected vision is below 20/40 but not below 20/70, the vision provider uses Form MV-80L for Medical Review instead of the basic MV-619 route.

Where to take the NY DMV vision screening - office or outside provider

You may take the DMV vision screening at a DMV office, at a provider enrolled in the DMV Online Vision Registry, or have a qualified provider complete Form MV-619; the provider submits results to DMV electronically or via the form.

Download Form MV-619 from the DMV site to bring to your eye doctor if needed.

• Failing for VISION TEST FAILED is more common than you'd think.
• At the Buffalo DMV, a new prescription was sitting uncollected at the optometrist.
• The applicant failed the vision screening; she retrieved her glasses 3 days later and passed without issue.
• Buffalo optometrists book out 2 weeks - collect your prescription before scheduling a DMV date.

Whether MV-619 is valid for 6 or 12 months depends on the form and DMV policy; confirm vision result validity with your specific DMV office before relying on prior screening results.

How long is Form MV-619 valid for a New York permit application?

The current MV-619 includes a provider-marked validity period of up to 12 months or 6 months from the examination date. Use the period checked on your completed form rather than assuming every MV-619 has the same validity window.

After Failing the New York DMV Vision Test: Your Next Steps

A failed DMV vision test ends your application that day - you cannot retest at a pharmacy the same day as a workaround. You must see a licensed eye care professional for a full exam before returning.

• Where to go: You must visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Do not immediately try another pharmacy registry location.
• Doctor's Role: The doctor will determine if a new prescription allows you to reach 20/40.
  • If yes, they complete Form MV-619.
  • If best-corrected vision is less than 20/40 but not less than 20/70, the provider must complete Form MV-80L and send it to the Medical Review Unit. If you fail at the DMV, you cannot retest there with glasses you just brought. You must get an outside exam.

  A teen in Queens failed the acuity test at the Rego Park DMV. He had his old glasses. The clerk told him he needed a current prescription. He visited an optometrist on Queens Boulevard, got a new prescription and Form MV-619, and returned the next week to complete his application.

  Bring a copy of your current vision prescription to your DMV appointment.

  If you fail at DMV, a Vision Registry provider cannot enter a failed result; you must see a qualified provider for an exam or a registry provider can test you - but failed results cannot be entered and you may need a provider-completed MV-619 or follow-up exam.

  Corrective-vision restriction codes on a New York permit

  Passing the vision test is mandatory before taking the knowledge test. If you require correction, your permit will have a restriction code.

  Vision Status	Restriction Code	Requirement
  20/40 or better without correction	None	No eyewear needed to drive.
  20/40 achieved with glasses/contacts	B	Must wear corrective lenses while driving. The DMV pages note a corrective lenses restriction but do not state a specific '3 point' penalty for driving without corrective lenses; do not assert a points value unless citing the official penalty table.
  Using bioptic telescopic lenses	T	Specialized restriction; requires medical review and a specialized road test.

  A Syracuse applicant passed the eye exam for his instruction permit using contacts but didn't realize the 'B' restriction was permanent. He later had LASIK and paid a $30 amendment fee and submitted a new MV-619 form to have the restriction removed.

  Use the DMV Vision Registry locator for enrolled pharmacies. Some stores have the chart but cannot submit results electronically, causing a wasted trip and a long wait at the DMV later.

  Review complete vision rules in the New York Driver Manual before your test. most people don't realize how strict the peripheral vision requirement is until they're sitting at the machine wondering why they can't see those tiny flashing lights.

How do you remove the corrective-lenses restriction after LASIK or improved vision?

Get a new vision test showing that you meet the standard without corrective lenses, then ask DMV to amend the restriction on your permit or license. Bring the vision documentation DMV requires for the update.