The California DMV Vision Screening
If you’re applying for or renewing a California driver’s license, the DMV performs a vision screening to determine whether you can safely operate a motor vehicle.
If you do not pass the initial screening, it does not necessarily mean you cannot drive.
Instead, the DMV may ask you to have your eyes examined by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist using the Report of Vision Examination (DL 62).
What Are the Requirements?
According to current California DMV guidance, drivers are generally expected to meet the following vision screening standards, with or without corrective lenses:
- 20/40 vision with both eyes together
- At least 20/40 in one eye
- No worse than 20/70 in the other eye
- Better than 20/200 best-corrected vision in at least one eye to qualify for a driver’s license
What Happens If You Don’t Pass the Screening?
The DMV may provide you with a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) and ask you to visit an eye doctor.
Here’s what usually happens next:
- Complete the personal information section of your DL 62 form.
- Schedule a comprehensive eye examination with a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Receive a thorough assessment of your vision and eye health.
- Have your eye doctor complete the clinical sections of the DL 62.
- Return the completed form to the California DMV.
- Wait while the DMV reviews your examination and determines whether additional testing or driving evaluation is necessary.
Depending on your results, the DMV may:
- Renew or issue your driver’s license
- Add a corrective lens restriction
- Issue a temporary license while your evaluation is completed (when applicable)
- Request a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE)
- Recommend additional review by the DMV Driver Safety Branch in certain situations
What Is the DMV DL 62 Form?
The Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) is the California DMV’s official vision evaluation form.
It allows your eye doctor to provide detailed information about your vision beyond the basic DMV eye chart screening.
The report may include:
- Visual acuity
- Visual field measurements
- Eye health findings
- Diagnosis
- Prognosis
- Recommendations that may affect safe driving
This additional information helps the DMV make licensing decisions based on your overall visual function rather than a single screening test.
What to Bring to Your DL 62 Appointment
To help your examination go smoothly, bring:
- Your DL 62 form
- Your driver’s license or DMV paperwork
- Your current glasses or contact lenses
- Any previous eye records if requested
- A list of medications if they affect your vision
If you’ve recently had eye surgery or your prescription has changed, let your eye doctor know before the examination.
Special Low Vision Situations
Certain vision conditions, or the use of low vision aids, may require additional DMV review before licensing decisions are made.
Monovision
If you wear monovision correction and the DMV has no record of your condition, you may be asked to complete a DL 62 examination and possibly a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation.
Bioptic Telescopes
Drivers who use bioptic telescopes cannot use the telescope to meet the DMV’s initial vision screening. Additional evaluation and a driving assessment may be required before licensing decisions are made.
Eye Conditions That May Require Additional Review
Some medical conditions that affect vision may require additional documentation or evaluation, including:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Head trauma
- Brain tumors or lesions
- Other neurological or eye conditions that significantly affect vision
Return to Safe Driving in Southern California
Navigating California DMV vision requirements can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been told you did not pass the initial screening.
Our eye doctor regularly evaluates patients with reduced vision and other complex eye conditions. Our goal is to provide an accurate assessment while helping you maintain your independence whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
