DMV Driving Laws

Visual Acuity:

Visual Acuity: “The department shall not issue a driver’s license to, or renew a driver’s license of, any person whose best corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in that person’s better eye, as verified by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. No person may use a bioptic telescope or similar lens to meet the 20/200 visual acuity standards.”

Bioptic Telescope Lenses:

are permitted for driving. New pilot program in Northern California includes new assessment tools:

• Observation for any physical limitations that could affect safe driving.
• A cognitive exercise that will require you to recall in writing your social security number or your zip code if you have never been issued a SSN.
• A vision test that measures contrast sensitivity.
• Perceptual Response Test, if you do not perform well on the standard tests or new assessment tools.

DMV field offices use the following guide in taking actions:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/3a7d67bf-47af-44ec-a9ac-ac8d9b40e700/vision_table.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=