If you're renewing your New York driver's license, you must complete a vision test before the DMV can process your renewal.
The good news? The requirements are straightforward, and most drivers complete the screening in less than five minutes.
In this guide, we’ll break down current NY DMV vision test requirements, what score you need to pass, whether you can wear glasses or contacts, and how to complete your vision test online without stepping foot inside a DMV office.
What Are the NY DMV Vision Test Requirements?
To pass the New York DMV vision test, you must demonstrate a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
Here is what you need to know at a glance:
- Corrective Lenses Allowed: You can wear your prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses during the test.
- License Restriction (B): If you require corrective lenses to meet the 20/40 standard, your driver’s license will carry a "Corrective Lenses" (B) restriction, meaning you are legally required to wear them whenever you drive.
- Quick Vision Screening: For most drivers, the entire test takes just 2 to 3 minutes.
What Does "20/40 Vision" Actually Mean?
Visual acuity is measured using the standard Snellen Eye Chart. Here is how the rating breaks down:
- 20/20 Vision: Considered "normal" visual acuity. You can clearly read letters at 20 feet that a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet.
- 20/40 Vision: You must stand 20 feet away to read what someone with normal vision can read from 40 feet away.
New York State considers 20/40 vision the minimum safe baseline for operating a motor vehicle on public roads.
Can You Wear Glasses or Contact Lenses During the Test?
Yes. If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses to drive, you should wear them during your screening.
- Passing with Lenses: Your license will reflect a "B" restriction.
- Removing a Restriction: If you’ve recently had LASIK, cataract surgery, or vision correction surgery and no longer need lenses, you can take a new vision test to have the "B" restriction removed from your NY driver's license.
What Happens If You Don't Pass?
Failing a DMV vision screening on your first attempt isn't the end of the road. If your eyesight falls below the 20/40 baseline:
- Visit an Eye Doctor: You will be referred to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam.
- Update Your Prescription: In many cases, simply updating your prescription glasses or contacts allows you to retake and pass the screening.
- DMV Medical Review Unit: Drivers with specific conditions or low vision or you wear telescopic lenses must submit an Eye Test Report for Medical Review Unit (MV-80L).
Where Can You Take Your NY DMV Vision Test?
New York drivers have several options for completing their required DMV vision test.
- At a Local NY DMV Office: If you're renewing your license in person, many DMV offices can perform your vision screening during your appointment.
- At an Eye Care Practice: Many optometrists, ophthalmologists, and licensed opticians throughout New York are enrolled with the DMV and can complete your vision test and submit your results electronically.
- Online with Instant NY Vision Test: Instant NY Vision Test is a New York DMV-approved online vision test provider. You can complete your vision test from the comfort of your home using your phone or computer - no office visit or appointment required. Once you pass, your results are electronically submitted to the New York DMV, allowing you to continue your online driver's license renewal.
How Are Results Sent to the NY DMV?
How your vision test results are submitted depends on where you complete your screening.
If you take your vision test through Instant NY Vision Test or another provider enrolled in the NY DMV Online Vision Registry, your results are submitted electronically to the New York DMV. In most cases, you can simply log into your MyDMV account and continue your driver's license renewal once the results have been processed.
If you complete your vision test with an eye care provider who is not enrolled in the Online Vision Registry, you'll typically receive a completed Vision Test Report (Form MV-619). You'll need to submit this form to the DMV as part of your renewal process, which may require additional steps depending on how you're renewing your license.
How Long Are NY DMV Vision Test Results Valid?
In most cases, NY DMV vision test results are valid for 12 months from the date of your screening. This gives you plenty of time to complete your driver's license renewal before another vision test is required.
Can You Take the NY DMV Vision Test Online?
Yes. New York allows approved providers to offer DMV-compliant online vision tests for eligible drivers.
Instead of visiting a DMV office or scheduling an appointment with an eye care provider, you can complete your vision screening from home using a phone or computer. If you pass, your results are submitted electronically to the New York DMV through the Online Vision Registry, allowing you to continue your online driver's license renewal.
Instant NY Vision Test is one of the New York DMV-approved online vision test providers, making it possible to complete your required vision screening in just a few minutes from wherever it's most convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a vision test every time I renew my NY license?
Yes. New York State law requires a vision test for every driver's license renewal, which occurs every 8 years.
How early can I take the vision test before my license expires?
You can renew your NY driver's license up to 1 year before its expiration date. Because vision test results are valid for 12 months, you can take your screening well in advance.
Is a DMV vision test the same as a full eye exam?
No. A DMV vision test is a quick visual acuity screening to verify you meet minimum state driving standards. It does not replace a comprehensive medical eye examination.
Complete Your NY DMV Vision Test Online Today
Skip the DMV lines and complete your required vision test in under 5 minutes with Instant NY Vision Test.
- Fast & Convenient: Take the screening online from home using your computer or smartphone.
- Instant Submission: Passed results are submitted directly to the NY DMV Online Vision Registry.
- 100% DMV-Compliant: Guaranteed to satisfy New York State license renewal requirements.