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North Carolina · Permit test

The NC DMV eye exam: what you need to pass

Every in-person permit, first license and renewal includes a vision check. NCDMV’s rule sets 20/40 or better, in either eye or both together, for a license with no restriction. If you need glasses or contacts to reach the standard, your license will say so and you must wear them whenever you drive. Bring them to the NC DMV eye exam if you use them.

  • 20/40For a license with no restriction
  • 20/70Through a bioptic telescope, for a restricted license
  • 6 monthsOldest eye doctor form allowed with a bioptic certificate
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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What does the NC DMV eye test check?

NCDMV’s licensing rule describes it as a test of your ability to identify letters or symbols from a specific distance. You need 20/40 or better in at least one eye, or both eyes together, for an unrestricted license. Below 20/40, your license is restricted to require corrective lenses. The handbook says driving without them carries the same penalty as driving without a license.

When you take it

  • For a learner permit, including a teen’s Level 1 permit
  • For your first license
  • When you renew in person. Online, you confirm instead that your vision hasn’t changed in a way that affects your driving
  • When you move here and transfer a license from another state
  • When you get a REAL ID within six months of your license expiring
DMV license renewal in NC →Moving to NC →

If you don’t meet the standard

NCDMV can review your case with its Vision Specialist Form (DL77), filled in by an ophthalmologist or optometrist and faxed to NCDMV’s Medical Review Unit. It records your vision with and without lenses, your field of view in degrees, and any restriction the doctor recommends, such as daylight only or 45 mph with no interstates.

People with low vision may qualify for a restricted license with a bioptic telescope. NCDMV’s form DL77-BT, dated March 2026, sets at least 20/200 in one or both eyes with regular lenses, at least 20/70 through the bioptic, and a field of at least 30 degrees toward the nose and 40 degrees toward the temple, plus a driving assessment with the bioptic. A DL77 no more than 6 months old must come with it.

NCDMV: Vision Specialist Form, DL77 (PDF) ↗NCDMV: Bioptic driver training certificate, DL77-BT (PDF) ↗

Teens in driver education

The classroom part of driver education includes a vision and medical screening. To drive with an instructor for the six behind-the-wheel hours, a student gets a Restricted Instruction Permit after a vision and medical check. If the instructor can’t do the eye check, NCDMV staff can do it at a scheduled appointment, and NCDMV advises against walking in for it.

NC learner’s permit rules →
Sources: NCDOT · NCDMV and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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