Vision Requirements for Obtaining a Driver's License in Florida
by Lindsey ThompsonFlorida residents who want to obtain a driver's license must follow certain steps, including meeting the minimum requirements, taking a driving and written test and passing hearing and vision screenings.
Vision Test
All non-commercial Class E driver's, learner's restricted and motorcycle license applicants must take the vision test when applying at a Florida driver's license office. You must also take a vision test each time you renew a license. The driver's license office staff use an eye machine to administer the test. If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision exam, you receive a corrective lenses endorsement on your license and can only drive with your glasses or contact lenses.
Test Requirements
You can meet state vision requirements without having to visit an eye specialist if you have 20/40 or better vision in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you have worse than 20/40 vision, you can still get a license if your vision is:
- 20/50 or worse and you see an eye specialist who can improve your eyesight.
- 20/70 in either eye or both eyes with or without corrective lenses after referral to an eye specialist, as long as the vision in the worst eye is better than 20/200.
- 20/200 or worse in one eye but the other eye is 20/40 or better.
After seeing an eye specialist, you'll have to submit a Report of Eye Exam, filled out and signed by the eye specialist giving his assessment of your vision and ability to drive.
Tips
Color blindness does not require special endorsements on your license.
Warnings
Telescopic lenses do not count as vision correction in Florida.
References
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Obtaining Your Florida Driver's License or Identification Card
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Driver License Classes and Endorsements
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Drivers 80 Years Old and Over
Writer Bio
Lindsey Thompson began her writing career in 2001. Her work has been published in the Cincinnati Art Museum's "Member Magazine" and "The Ohio Journalist." You'll also find her work on websites like Airbnb, Chron.com, and USAToday.com. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.
