Vision Tests & Standards
All Maryland (MD) driver’s license applications and renewals must meet vision requirements. This includes both commercial (CDL) and non-commercial licenses.
You have several ways to complete your vision screening or submit your vision results. The option you use may depend on your age and how you renew your license.
How to Meet the Vision Requirement
You may choose one of the following options:
- Use the MVA’s Authorized Online Vision Certification Service
- Your eye doctor sends your results to the MVA using a secure website.
- You must have a valid Maryland driver’s license number.
- Bring a completed vision form
- Download the MVA vision form.
- Ask your eye doctor to complete it.
- Bring the completed form with you to the MVA.
- Get screened at the MVA
- MVA staff can check your vision when you apply or renew in person.
Renewing Your License (Age 40 and Older)
If you are 40 years old or older and eligible to renew online, at a kiosk, or by mail, you must meet these rules:
- Online or self-service kiosk
- Your vision exam results must be sent electronically by an Authorized Online Vision Certification Provider.
- Mail-in renewal
- Your eye doctor must complete the vision section on the back of your renewal form.
The MVA will notify eligible drivers about their renewal options.
Driver’s License Vision Standards (Non-Commercial)
To get an unrestricted license without corrective lenses, you must have:
- Vision in both eyes (binocular vision), and
- Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, and
- A continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees.
You may receive a restricted license if you have:
- Visual acuity worse than 20/40 but at least 20/70 in one or both eyes, or
- A continuous field of vision less than 140 degrees but at least 110 degrees, with at least 35 degrees on each side of center, or
- A need for standard corrective lenses to meet MVA vision rules.
You will need special handling by the MVA if you have:
- Visual acuity worse than 20/70 but not worse than 20/100, or
- A continuous field of vision less than 110 degrees but not less than 70 degrees.
For these cases, contact the MVA Modified Vision Unit at (410) 768-7513 for instructions and special forms.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Vision Requirements
- You cannot reach 20/100 vision or better using one or both eyes (without a telescopic lens), or
- You cannot reach at least 70 degrees of continuous field of vision.
The Modified Vision Program
The Modified Vision Program is for drivers who:
- Have corrected vision worse than 20/70 but not worse than 20/100 in one or both eyes, and
- Have a continuous field of vision of at least 100 degrees.
Before this program, these drivers could not get a Maryland driver’s license. Now, they may qualify for a restricted license.
How to Apply
You, your doctor, or your eye specialist can contact the MVA Driver Wellness & Safety Division (DWS).
- You will receive a Modified Vision Program Package.
- Complete and return the package to DWS.
- The Medical Advisory Board (MAB) will review your case and decide if you qualify.
What Happens After You Are Accepted?
Your next steps depend on whether you have ever had a driver’s license.
If You Have or Had a Driver’s License
You must complete:
- A clinical and behind-the-wheel evaluation at an approved low-vision facility
- Customized driver training at an approved low-vision driving school
- A Maryland road test at an MVA location
After you pass these steps, you may receive a restricted Maryland driver’s license.
If You Have Never Had a Driver’s License
You must complete:
- A clinical evaluation at an approved low-vision facility
- 10 hours of basic driver education at an approved low-vision driving school
- A behind-the-wheel evaluation at an approved low-vision facility
- Customized driver training at an approved low-vision driving school
- 60 hours of supervised driving, as required for all new drivers
- A Maryland road test at an MVA location
Note: Your learner’s permit will be updated as you move through this process.
License Restrictions for Program Participants
Your driving record will include these restrictions:
- Outside mirrors on both sides of your vehicle
- Daylight driving only (from 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset)
- Driving only vehicles that weigh 10,000 pounds or less
You must also send one vision exam every year to DWS.
Removing the “Daylight Driving Only” Restriction
You may ask to remove this restriction after at least one year in the program.
You must complete:
- Contrast sensitivity, glare, and dark adaptation testing (reviewed by the MAB)
- Customized night driving training at an approved low-vision driving school
- A Maryland night-time road test at an MVA location