Driving laws for the visually impaired in California

What happens if you do not pass the vision screening?

In the event that you do not meet the requirement for vision screening, you will be referred to an eye doctor. You will be given a form for your eye doctor to fill out. When you return after an assessment with the form, your vision will be tested again.

To ensure the DMV that you can drive safely, you will have to take a driving test regardless of your visual condition. By passing your driving test, you can demonstrate that your vision impairment does not affect your driving abilities. However, your driver’s license may have restrictions such:

• You may only drive with corrective lenses
• You may only drive during daylight

In the event that you fail the vision test, the DMV will schedule a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE) (driving test) for you to see if you can compensate for your vision condition. If your eye doctor prescribes glasses, contact lenses, or specialized vision aids for driving, you must wear your glasses or corrective contact lenses. In the event that your low vision optometrist prescribes you with specialized lenses for driving it is important that you wait until you are comfortable with the new lenses before scheduling a SDPE. If you pass the driving test, DMV will renew your driver's license and add (or retain) a corrective lens restriction to your driver's license.

While issuing you the driver’s license, DMV will take into consideration your visual conditions, your driving needs, and any suggestion from your eye doctor, and will grant you a license for a full term which is 5 years or a limited term which could be 1 or 2 years.

Should you need to renew your driver's license, you may not need to undergo the vision referral process if your vision condition does not worsen and remains stable.

If a candidate with low vision is unable to pass the driving test and drives unsafely on the road, their license can be revoked by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

What conditions may restrict me from driving in California?

Certain conditions may prevent a patient from meeting the DMV’s minimum vision screening standards, in which case the driver may be referred to the DMV’s Driver Safety Branch for a hearing. It is recommended that you speak with our low vision optometrist who can provide you with information that may assist you when appealing your case. 

These health conditions may include:

• Brain tumor or lesion
• Cerebral palsy
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Head trauma
• Kaposi’s sarcoma ocular lesions
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke

What are the different visual skills that are needed while driving?

Near and distance vision

The ability to see things close up and far away are critical for safely operating a vehicle. Distance vision is needed for seeing signs, pedestrians, traffic lights, and much more. Near vision is needed for safe operations inside the car as well as seeing things in front of your vehicle.

Peripheral vision

Peripheral vision (side vision) is your ability to see on the sides of your central vision. When you are driving and have to change lanes, this skill is essential. Similarly, it's needed when you read road signs, warning signs, and lane markings. Patients with poor peripheral vision may find it difficult to keep their car centered in the lane or park their car and therefore, it may be unsafe for them to drive.

Night vision

Your vision may be perfect for driving in daylight hours but not during night. Under low light and poor contrast, it might be unsafe for them to drive at night, as they may not see the dangers on the road, such as a person wearing dark clothes crossing the road, curbs, or potholes.

Glare and light sensitivity

It may be unsafe for you to drive if you are sensitive to glare and light. If the headlights of oncoming traffic disrupt your vision at night, you may not be able to see in front of you for a few seconds, which could be dangerous. Being able to recover quickly from the glare is crucial.

Eye movement

While driving, you need to have controlled eye movement because if you look at a road sign or car or your rear view mirror for too long, you may lose track of where you are and could be highly dangerous for you and others. There are several possible causes, including nystagmus and other visual conditions.

Visual perception

Visual perception is our ability to perceive what your eyes are seeing. Several vision conditions could affect our ability of visual perception. While driving, it is crucial for discerning foreground from background, determining the position of other vehicles, signs, and pedestrians.