IN
To get a North Dakota instruction permit, you must pass a state vision screening. Pass the vision screening at the Driver License Site; verify the current standard from the official North Dakota handbook before your visit.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation conducts vision screening at Driver License Sites. See full details at the NDDOT vision requirements page for complete testing protocols.
If you pass with glasses or contacts, your permit includes a corrective lens restriction. This isn't a problem - just a legal requirement to wear them while driving.
Yes. Wear the glasses or contacts you normally use for driving. If you need corrective lenses to meet the vision standard, the permit can carry a corrective-lens restriction.
If you do not meet the North Dakota vision standard, the examiner immediately stops your permit application and provides a state vision form for an outside eye examination. You must return with completed documentation before permit issuance.
Cost consideration: An in-depth eye exam typically costs $50-$150 without insurance depending on your provider. Check the current form for the exact validity period before going to an outside eye exam.
Same-day retesting: If you have corrective lenses with you, you may be able to retest during the same visit - confirm this with the examiner.
North Dakota's vision test caught one Bismarck applicant completely off guard, glasses broke at home before the appointment, no backup pair on hand. Failed vision test, returned two days later with repaired glasses and passed. ND allows a next-day retest for vision; keep a backup pair in your car if possible.
If you have the needed corrective lenses with you, ask the examiner whether you can be screened again during the same visit. If NDDOT refers you for an outside eye examination, complete SFN 2342 before returning.
Return the completed Certificate of Vision Examination to the Driver License Division for review. The current form says the eye examination results must be within six months of the driver license application.
If you need correction to pass, your permit may display a corrective lens restriction - confirm the exact restriction code with NDDOT. Driving without required corrective lenses violates your permit restriction.
| Test Outcome | Result | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pass 20/40 without correction | Unrestricted permit issued | A 16-year-old in Bismarck passes easily and gets a clean permit with no codes |
| Pass 20/40 only with glasses/contacts | Permit issued with Restriction A | A Fargo applicant forgets glasses, fails, puts them on, passes retest, receives restricted permit |
| Fail to meet 20/40 even with correction | Given SFN 2342 form for outside exam | An applicant in Minot has 20/100 vision even with old prescription and must see optometrist for new evaluation |
The restriction stays on your permit until you submit updated vision documentation showing you meet the standard without correction.
Yes, but NDDOT needs updated vision information showing that you meet the required standard without correction. Do not stop wearing required lenses while driving until NDDOT has actually removed the restriction.
Bring your current glasses or wear contacts to avoid automatic failure and wasted trip. Many Grand Forks applicants get turned away for leaving glasses at home.
At the Fargo NDDOT kiosk, a screen freeze on the final test question couldn't be submitted, session expired, retake after a 1-day wait. Always alert staff immediately rather than waiting when any kiosk issue appears; Fargo final-question freezes are a documented problem at that location.
The vision test is quick to pass if you prepare properly. Just bring correct eyewear and you'll be fine unless you have serious vision issues requiring medical attention.
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