What Is the Minimum Vision Required for Driving In California?

Article by Delta Driving School

If you are applying for a California driver’s license or renewing your current license, your eyesight will be tested to meet certain minimum vision requirements. The California Department of Motor Vehicles conducts vision tests to see if drivers meet their “visual acuity” screening standard.

Visual acuity is a person’s ability to see items clearly and sharply and recognize small details. Under California law, the minimum visual acuity a driver must possess is at least 20/200 in one eye, with or without correction. The DMV vision screening standard is:

20/40 with both eyes tested together, and

20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other eye.

If an individual fails to meet the DMV’s vision screening standard this does NOT mean their license will be automatically denied. Instead, the driver will be given a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) form. The DL 62 form must be signed by an eye doctor and brought back to the DMV in order to complete the vision reevaluation.

The DMV will consider many factors during the vision reevaluation, including:

The seriousness of the driver’s vision condition

The degree to which the vision condition affects a driver’s central and side vision

Whether the vision condition affects one or both eyes

Whether the vision condition can be corrected by glasses, contacts, or surgery

Whether the vision condition is degenerative and will get worse

Possible outcomes of the revaluation and driving test include:

Issuance of an unrestricted driver’s license for 5 years

Issuance of a restricted driver’s license

Denial of a driver’s license.

About the Author: This article is courtesy of Delta Driving School. They are a Driving School in La Canada, Glendale, Eagle Rock and La Crescenta in Southern California.