West Virginia DMV Vision Test: 20/40 Standard, Failed Screening and Retest Rules

You must pass a vision screening to get a West Virginia instruction permit. The WV DMV sets specific standards you need to meet - and failing means your application stops until you see an eye doctor.

What Are the Vision Requirements for a West Virginia Instruction Permit?

The WV DMV requires minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in both eyes. You also need an adequate field of vision and the ability to distinguish traffic signal colors.

• Visual Acuity: At least 20/40 using both eyes, with or without corrective lenses. If you have only one eye, that eye must meet the 20/40 standard.
• Field of Vision: Must meet WV DMV minimum peripheral standards
• Color Recognition: Must distinguish red, green, and amber signals

For complete details on West Virginia vision requirements, review the full standards before your WV DMV appointment.

Can You Get a WV Permit If You Wear Glasses or Contacts?

Yes. Wear your corrective lenses during the WV DMV vision screening. If you pass while wearing them, your permit gets issued with a corrective lens restriction.

• Wear your glasses or contacts during the screening
• Passing with lenses means a corrective lens restriction goes on your permit
• Driving without required lenses is a traffic infraction under West Virginia law

Clean your glasses thoroughly before your WV DMV appointment. Smudges cause misread letters during the acuity test - which means an unnecessary failure and a wasted trip.

2Inside the West Virginia DMV Vision Screening

The WV DMV vision screening happens during the permit application at DMV driver licensing offices, takes under two minutes, and checks acuity (20/40 both eyes), field of vision (70 degrees per eye), and color perception (red, green, amber). If the screening shows vision below the standard or a serious visual defect, DMV may require a DLAB-2 vision specialist report.

1. A vision testing machine or Snellen wall chart checks your acuity
2. Peripheral vision and color recognition are tested
3. Pass and you proceed. If specialist review is required, follow DMV's instructions and have the licensed vision specialist complete the current DLAB-2 form.

• One Huntington applicant never realized glasses were needed - discovered only at the WV DMV vision chart.
• Failed screening; required an optometrist visit before returning.
• There is no set return deadline from the screening date.
• Get an eye exam before booking your WV DMV permit appointment.

Testing accommodations are covered separately in the West Virginia disability accommodations guide.

What Happens If You Fail the West Virginia DMV Vision Screening?

Failing stops your permit application. You'll need an outside eye exam before returning to the WV DMV.

• Where to go: Visit a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for a complete exam
• Cost: Exams run $50-$150 without insurance, depending on provider
• Same-day retest: Only allowed if you failed because you weren't wearing corrective lenses and have them with you at the office

The eye doctor must complete the WV DMV's Vision Examination Report. Return it to any WV DMV driver licensing office within the required timeframe from the doctor's signature.

West Virginia's pass mark is 76% on the knowledge test (19 correct) - scoring 18 triggers a mandatory 7-day hold. A passing score is valid for 6 months. That same precision applies to vision: borderline eyesight and no exam beforehand means a wasted appointment slot that took weeks to book. WV DMV also measures field of vision (minimum 70 degrees horizontal per eye) and color perception (red, green, amber). Schedule your WV DMV appointment for early morning. If you fail the screening, you'll have time to call local optometrists for same-day availability before afternoon books up.

3WV DMV Vision Examination Form and Who Completes It

If your vision is below the DMV standard or the screening shows a serious visual defect, WV DMV may require DLAB-Form 2. A licensed vision specialist completes the form with your condition, driving recommendation, and any suggested restrictions, then forwards it to DMV. The WV licensing handbook explains this process at https://transportation.wv.gov/DMV/DMVFormSearch/Drivers_Licensing_Handbook_web.pdf.

Can I Retake the WV DMV Vision Test After Getting New Glasses or Contacts?

Yes. If new correction brings your vision to the required level, you can be screened again. If your vision still does not meet the normal screening standard, follow the vision-specialist and DLAB-2 process DMV gives you.

Can I return to a different WV DMV office after my eye exam? The vision standard applies statewide. Before making a second trip, confirm that the regional office you plan to use can complete the follow-up and make sure any required specialist form has been sent to DMV.

How Long Is My Completed WV DMV Vision Report Valid?

WV DMV’s licensing handbook does not publish one universal expiration period for DLAB-2. Have the vision specialist send the current form promptly. If the examination or form is old, confirm with DMV before relying on it for a new visit.