Virginia DMV Vision Test Requirements: What Drivers Need to Know

You can know every traffic law in the Commonwealth and still fail your DMV visit if you can't read the chart on the wall. Virginia's vision test is short, simple, and one of the most-overlooked steps in the licensing process — especially at renewal time. Here's what every driver needs to know.

When You'll Take a Vision Test in Virginia

The Virginia DMV requires a vision screening in several common situations:

• When you apply for an original (first-time) Virginia driver's license.

• When you reinstate a license that has been suspended or revoked.

• When you transfer an out-of-state license to Virginia.

• When you renew your license in person (renewals through DMV Connect or online generally don't include a screening, but in-person visits often do).

• If a DMV examiner, court, or doctor refers you for a reexamination under the medical review process.

About 1 in 4 American adults wears corrective lenses to meet a 20/40 vision standard. If you do, that's exactly what your license restriction code "B" means.

The 20/40 Standard Explained

Virginia requires a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses, for an unrestricted Class C (regular passenger) license. You also need a horizontal field of vision of at least 100 degrees.

What 20/40 Means in Plain English

"20/40" means you can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 40 feet. It's worse than "perfect" 20/20 vision but well within safe driving range when paired with good situational awareness.

What If You Can't Pass at 20/40?

You're not out of options:

• Corrective lenses: If you can pass with glasses or contacts, the DMV will add a Restriction Code B to your license requiring you to wear them when driving.

• Daytime-only driving: Drivers with a visual acuity between 20/40 and 20/70 in their better eye may be eligible for a daytime-only restriction.

• Vision specialist report: A doctor of optometry or ophthalmology can submit a report supporting your case.

• Bioptic telescopic lenses: Some drivers qualify using approved bioptic systems and additional training.

What the Test Looks Like at the DMV

The Equipment

Most Virginia DMV locations use a vision screener — a viewer-style machine you press your forehead into and read letters or numbers from. Some offices still use a wall chart.

The Process

An examiner will ask you to read several lines with both eyes, then one eye at a time. You'll keep your glasses or contacts on. The whole thing takes a minute or two.

If You Wear Glasses or Contacts

Always bring them. Forgetting your glasses is one of the top reasons people fail and have to come back. If you pass with them on, your license will be marked with the restriction.

How to Prepare

1. Schedule an Eye Exam First

If it's been more than a couple of years, see your eye doctor before your DMV appointment. Updated prescriptions are the single biggest predictor of passing on the first try.

2. Bring Backup Eyewear

If you usually wear contacts, bring glasses too. Dry, fluorescent DMV lighting plus a stressful test can be hard on contact lenses.

3. Avoid Eye Strain Before You Go

Heavy screen time, lack of sleep, and bright sun without sunglasses can temporarily reduce contrast sensitivity. Give your eyes a break the morning of your appointment.

What Happens If You Fail

You won't be issued a new license that day, but you're not banned from driving forever. The DMV will typically refer you for a more detailed vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Once you have a passing exam (or appropriate restriction recommendation) on file, you can return to complete your transaction. See our broader driver resources page for more guidance.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Does Virginia DMV check vision at every license renewal?

In-person renewals typically include a vision screening. Online or by-mail renewals usually do not, although the DMV may still require one periodically for certain age groups or medical situations.

Can I bring a doctor's note instead of taking the DMV vision test?

Yes. The Virginia DMV's Report of Eye Examination form, completed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, can satisfy the vision requirement when in-person screening isn't practical or feasible.

Will a vision restriction on my license affect my driving record?

No. A restriction (like "B" for corrective lenses) is not a violation and doesn't add demerit points. It simply describes the conditions under which you're licensed to drive. To clean up actual demerit points, check out our guide to removing points.

Keep the Whole Record Clean

Passing your vision test is the first step. Keeping your driving record clean over time is the bigger one. ABC's $74.99 DMV-approved 8-hour driver improvement course earns +5 safe driving points and helps you stay in good standing year after year. Enroll today.