Vision and Medical Conditions
Vision
Usually the vision conditions that commonly affect teenagers are corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Therefore, your vision is extremely important to driving safe.
Good vision also allows your brain to process information quickly and accurately so you can make good driving decisions.
This is why you need to keep distractions to minimum and keep your eyes on the road when you are driving.
Young and healthy eyes see objects better at night, resist and recover from glare better (such as from oncoming headlights), see objects from the sides of their eyes (peripheral vision) better, judge distances more accurately, and process visual information much quicker that the eyes of older adults.
What types of vision conditions do most teens have?
Myopia
Commonly called "Nearsightedness." You
can see objects close up, but objects farther away from you (like a street
sign) will be difficult to see. This condition is corrected with eyeglasses,
contacts, or surgery.
Hyperopia
Commonly called "Farsightedness." You can see objects far away, but objects nearer to you (like the letters on this screen) will be difficult to see. This condition is corrected with eyeglasses or contacts.
Astigmatism
This is a condition in which the visual
image of what you are looking at is poorly focused. This
condition is corrected with eyeglasses, contacts, or surgery.
Will DMV check my vision?
You have to pass DMV's vision test with or without lenses
and meet DMV's vision standard. Your vision has to be 20/40. You will be
asked to read a chart to test your vision. If you can pass
the test while wearing glasses or contacts, your driver
license will have a driving restriction.
One little note: If you wear contact lenses, you do not have to take them out to take the vision test. If you take the vision test wearing your contact lenses or eyeglasses, your driver license will have a "must wear lenses while driving" restriction on it. Many people, young and old, have this restriction on their driver license. Just be sure you wear your lenses while you are driving.
Learn more about DMV's vision guidelines:
What happens if I can't pass the DMV vision test?
If you can't pass the vision test, you will be given a form called Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) to take to an eye doctor. You will probably be given a new pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses to correct your vision. Very rarely do teens have eye problems that require more than an updated or new prescription for lenses.
Once you have your new glasses or contact lenses, wear them when you return to DMV to take your vision exam. You should pass.
Learn more about your vision:
