Vision Screening
To screen your vision, a DMV staff member will ask you to look into a machine and read a series of letters or numbers. The vision screening is not a medical exam. The screening shows whether your vision meets Virginia’s standards to safely drive. If you fail the vision screening, you may be asked to visit an eye care professional. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to pass the visions screening, you must wear them when you drive. Your license will display a C for this restriction. To have this restriction removed after having laser surgery to correct your vision, you must visit a DMV customer service center and pass the vision screening without wearing glasses or contact lenses or submit a Vision Screening Report (MED 4).
Driver's License - Unrestricted
- 20/40 or better vision in one eye or both eyes, and
- 100 degrees, or better, horizontal vision in one or both eyes, or comparable measurement that shows a field of vision within this range.
Driving - Restricted to daylight hours only
- 20/70 or better vision in one or both eyes, and
- 70 degrees, or better, horizontal vision. If you have vision in only one eye, you must have horizontal vision of at least 30 degrees or better when looking toward your nose and 40 degrees or better when looking toward your temple, or comparable measurement that shows a field of vision within this range.
A daylight driving only restricted license permits you to drive only during the period of time beginning a half-hour after sunrise and ending a half-hour before sunset.
Bioptic telescoping lenses: If you wear bioptic telescopic lenses, read the DMV publication Driver’s Licensing Information for Bioptic Telescopic Lens Wearers (MED44) available at the DMV website or contact DMV at (804) 497-7100.
