California DMV Vision Requirements: Simplified

Call today at 800-345-9719 to schedule a free phone consultation with Dr. Ashcraft

Vision Test #1: The California DMV Vision Screening Exam

Pass this vision test at the DMV and you have met the vision requirements. Here is the exact wording for the vision screening test from the California DMV website: (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/vision-standards-ffdl-14/)

In other words, if you can see better than 20/40 in the better eye, and better or equal to 20/70 in the poorer eye on the Snellen eye chart, you pass the screening and no other vision testing or information is usually required.

What Happens if You Fail the California DMV Screening Test?
Does That Mean You Cannot Drive?

The Short Answer is, “It Depends”.

If you cannot pass the California DMV Vision Screening Requirement, it does not necessarily mean you cannot drive. It means that the DMV needs more information about your vision condition. 

The next step is to see an eye doctor and have them complete a California DMV “Report of Vision Examination” (DL 62). This gives the DMV additional information on your vision condition.

You can find the form (DL 62) here: (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/04/dl62-1.pdf)

Vision Test #2: Eye Doctor Examination With “DL-62” Form

The minimum standard for meeting the California DMV vision requirement is to see better than 20/200 in the better eye. (Notice that a one-eyed driver could still pass this test.)

Here is the exact wording from the DMV driver handbook page 20.(https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/06/dl600.pdf)

Vision Test #2: Eye Doctor Exam Summary

• You must have an eye examination by an eye doctor.
• Your eye doctor must complete the DMV form DL-62, “Report of Vision Examination.”
• You must have corrected visual acuity on a Snellen test better that 20/200 in one eye.
• You cannot use bioptic telescope lenses to meet the 20/200 requirement.
• You can use bioptic telescopic glasses to improve your vision and drive more safely as long as you have corrected visual acuity of better than 20/200 in one eye.
• You must have good side vision.
• The California DMV will look at the information on the “Report of Vision Examination” (DL-62) and the eye doctor recommendations and make a determination if they will renew your California driver’s license and allow you to continue to drive.

The DMV wants drivers to be safe, both for themselves and for other drivers. 

Case #1: Macular Degeneration Patient Renews Driver’s License

Dr. Ashcraft saw patient Mr. J.C. (macular degeneration) after he failed the DMV vision screening test at his local DMV in the high desert. He was able to pass the minimum California DMV Vision requirement with corrected vision better than 20/200 in the better eye.

Dr. Ashcraft fit him with a pair of glasses with bioptic telescopic lenses. Dr. Ashcraft completed the DMV Form DL-62, “Report of Vision Examination” to provide the California DMV with detailed information on his vision condition.

With a pair of bioptic telescope glasses Mr. J.C. was able to see signs and traffic signals sooner and felt safer driving. He renewed his California DMV driver’s license.

DMV “Report of Vision Examination” DL62 Explained

If you do not pass the DMV’s vision screening requirements, all hope is not lost. There is still the possibility of getting your driver’s license. 

The California DMV wants more information to make a decision on the renewal of your driver’s license. 

The DMV “Report of Vision Examination”, (eye exam form DL-62) along with the eye doctor’s recommendations will provide the DMV with the additional information they need to make a decision on renewing the California Driver’s License.

The DMV “Report of Vision Examination” DL62 provides this information:

• What is the vision condition causing the reduced vision?
• What is the best corrected and uncorrected vision on the Snellen eye chart?
• What is the severity of the individual’s vision condition? Is it getting worse? Is it stable?
• Does the vision condition affect one or both eyes?
• How is the individual’s side vision affected?
• Can glasses, contact lenses, or surgery correct the vision?
• When was the last vision examination? Are glasses or contact lenses up to date?
• Has the individual received a bioptic telescope? If so, what is the vision through the bioptic?
• Has the eye doctor given other advice concerning driving?

Once the DMV has reviewed the DL 62, “Report of Vision Examination”, the California DMV will make a determination whether you pass the requirements to drive. You may have restrictions on your driving. For example, you may be limited to daytime driving or local driving. You may also be required to take a behind-the-wheel driving test. This will demonstrate you can drive safely.

Call today at 800-345-9719 to schedule a free phone consultation with Dr. Ashcraft

Over 50 years ago, California became the third state in the country to allow individuals to drive with bioptic telescopic lenses. Here is the true story of Dennis Kelleher, the first licensed bioptic driver in the State of California.

Dennis Kelleher grew up thinking he would never be able to drive because of low vision due to albinism.

Even though he failed the standard California DMV vision screening test, he was able to pass the minimum vision requirement of better than 20/200 in the better eye. In addition, he was able to see most of the letters on the 20/30 line of the vision test with the help of a bioptic telescope lens. 

Dennis paved the way for Californians with low vision to safely drive using low vision devices.

On March 8, 1971, Dennis passed all California DMV Vision Requirements and became the first licensed bioptic driver in the state. As seen in his picture, Dennis wore bioptic telescope glasses. 

It has been over 50 years since Dennis got his driver’s license, and since then, many more individuals with low vision have also been able to safely pass DMV vision requirements and obtain a driver’s license.  

Dr. Ashcraft offers a NO-COST, COMMITMENT-FREE telephone consultation to discuss the details of your vision condition and your vision goals like driving. This will give both him and you a better idea of whether you are a good fit for scheduling a low vision evaluation.

To set up your FREE phone consultation, call 800-345-9719

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the California DMV vision requirements for driving?
  Anyone who applies for an original or renewal driver license must meet the department’s visual acuity (vision) screening standard. The DMV’s 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 the screening test is failed, the applicant may have an eye examination from an eye doctor and submit the DMV “Report of Vision Examination” (DL-62)

“Visual acuity is a person’s ability to see items clearly and sharply and to recognize small details. If you cannot meet the vision screening standard, you must have a minimum visual acuity in at least one eye better than 20/200 (best corrected). You may wear glasses or contact lenses to meet the minimum visual acuity standard but you cannot wear a bioptic telescopic or similar lens. The DMV cannot license drivers who do not meet the minimum visual acuity standard” (CVC §12805).

• Can a person still drive in California if they fail the DMV Screening Test?
  Yes, many people can continue to drive even if they cannot pass the DMV screening test. The screening test at the DMV is just what the name suggests:  It is a screening. If a person passes the DMV screening exam, no more information is needed by the DMV.When a person fails the DMV vision screening test, the DMV requires more information about their vision condition before they will issue a driver’s license.  The person is required to have an eye examination and have their eye doctor complete a “Report of Vision Examination” form DL-62 to submit to the DMV.Based on the information in the report and the eye doctor’s recommendations, the DMV will make a decision about renewing or issuing a new California Driver’s License.
• What is the California DMV “Report of Eye Examination” DL-62 Form?
  The DMV “Report of Vision Examination” DL-62 is the form the eye doctor fills out, after an examination, to provide more information on the patient’s vision conditions to the DMV. The DMV “Report of Vision Examination (DL-62) provides a section to report on the use of bioptic telescope lenses.
• What are some common low vision conditions that can reduce visual acuity?
  Examples of low vision conditions are Age Related Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt’s Disease, Albinism, Nystagmus, and  Optic Nerve Disease.
  
• Does California allow drivers to use bioptic telescopic lenses to see better and be safer drivers?
  Yes, California has allowed the use of bioptic telescopic lenses for driving for over 50 years.
• What are bioptic telescope glasses?
  Custom-made bioptic telescope glasses look like standard glasses with the addition of miniature telescopes mounted onto one or both of the lenses. The telescope is located on the lens above your line of sight and magnifies images in the distance.  Think of looking through the telescope as looking through binoculars. The main “carrier” glasses that you wear contain your distance prescription.
• How do bioptic telescope glasses work while driving?
  Driving safely with low vision presents a number of challenges. A driver has to be able to view road conditions and quickly make decisions to change lanes, speed up, or slow down. A driver must be able to clearly see road signs, traffic lights, and other cars from a distance. Bioptic glasses work best for spotting objects while driving. Most of the time you will be looking straight ahead and seeing through your distance prescriptions lenses.  Then, when you need to look at a road sign, traffic light, or something in the distance, you briefly tilt your head downward to look through the telescope. After a quick glance, you resume your normal posture to continue to drive. 

NO-COST, COMMITMENT-FREE Telephone Consultation Available

Dr. Ashcraft offers a complimentary phone consultation for individuals with low vision to learn more about their condition and vision goals. He then offers an in-depth low vision evaluation, where patients can try on low vision aids and devices in his office. 

Not only has Dr. Ashcraft helped many people pass their DMV Vision Requirements and drive safely, he also has resources available to help you, including a California-certified driving specialist (with over 30 years of experience) who can come to your home for a driving evaluation.

Call Dr. Ashcraft today at 1-800-345-9719 to arrange a free
telephone consultation to discuss your vision situation.