Virginia DMV Vision Test: Acuity, Field of Vision, and Restrictions

You must pass a vision screening to get a Virginia learner's permit. The standard is 20/40 visual acuity or better in one or both eyes. You may wear glasses or contacts. Peripheral vision must cover at least 110 degrees horizontally.

Virginia DMV Vision Test Standards for a Learner's Permit

Virginia DMV requires 20/40 visual acuity or better in at least one eye and a horizontal field of at least 110 degrees. Glasses and contacts are permitted. Failing triggers a referral form you take to any licensed eye doctor.

• Corrective lenses: Glasses or contacts may be used to meet the acuity standard.
• Testing equipment: Most DMV customer service centers use a vision-screening machine.

Under Virginia Code , visual acuity standards apply equally to first-time permit applicants and license renewals. The DMV vision policy page explains all requirements. Want to prepare? Check this Virginia DMV vision test prep guide.

An applicant in Richmond arrived without glasses, failed the machine test, and got referred for an outside eye exam. Returned the same day with glasses, passed the retest, and got a permit with a 'Corrective Lenses' restriction.

A teen in Fairfax had 20/30 vision in the right eye but only 20/100 in the left. With glasses correcting both eyes to 20/20, they passed on the first attempt. most people overthink this test. It takes about two minutes.

Before looking into the DMV vision machine, close your eyes briefly. Adjusting from bright office lights prevents squinting and misreads that can trigger an unnecessary failure.

Can You Get a Virginia Learner's Permit if You Only See Clearly Out of One Eye?

Yes, if your usable vision meets Virginia DMV's acuity and visual-field standards. For daylight-only driving, DMV lists 20/70 or better vision and, when vision is limited to one eye, at least 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees nasal visual field.

Does Color Blindness Prevent You From Getting a Virginia Learner's Permit?

Virginia DMV's published learner-permit vision standard is based on visual acuity and horizontal visual field. It does not list a separate color-blindness cutoff in the standard screening requirements.

Can You Get a Virginia Permit With Glasses or Contacts?

Yes. Wear your corrective lenses during the screening. Passing with glasses or contacts adds a Restriction Code C to your permit, which means you must wear them every time you drive or face a misdemeanor charge.

1. Pass the test with corrective lenses and receive Restriction Code C on your permit.
2. Wear glasses or contacts every time you drive. No exceptions.
3. After LASIK or vision improvement, return to the DMV, pass the screening without lenses, and pay for an updated unrestricted license.

Driving without required lenses is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Penalties include fines up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail. Other Virginia learner's permit restrictions also apply once you start driving.

An applicant in Norfolk passed the eyesight test using contact lenses. The permit was issued with the 'C' restriction. Later they got LASIK surgery, returned to the DMV, passed the screening without contacts, and paid for a new unrestricted license.

If your glasses prescription is old, get an eye exam before your DMV appointment. Wearing an outdated prescription during screening can cause you to fail. Not worth the hassle.

What Happens If You Fail the Virginia DMV Vision Test?

If you fail the vision screening, the DMV agent stops your application and hands you a Customer Vision Report (Form MED 4). Take it to an eye doctor.

• Where to Go: Any licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist can complete the MED 4 form.
• What Doctors Must Certify: The form requires exact visual acuity measurements and horizontal field results. Incomplete forms get rejected.
• Exam Cost: Full eye exams run $50 to $150 without insurance, depending on provider.
• Same-Day Return: Bring your completed MED 4 form and glasses or contacts back to the DMV. If the form certifies your corrected vision meets standards, the DMV waives the counter test and continues your application.

Call local optometrists before leaving the DMV. Some offices near DMV locations, like in Virginia Beach, keep same-day slots open for MED 4 referrals. This prevents a multi-day delay and extra trips. Use the Virginia DMV locations guide to find testing centers near you.

Once you pass the vision screening and complete your required documents, you'll move on to the knowledge test. Review the permit costs and fees so there are no surprises at the counter. The Virginia Driver's Manual covers everything you need for the written exam.

What if an eye doctor says you meet the standard but you failed the DMV machine? Follow DMV's eye-care referral process and submit the requested vision report, such as MED 4 when required. DMV can use the professional measurements to decide whether you qualify without a restriction, need a daylight-only restriction, or need further review.