Vision Tests & Standards

To get or renew a Maryland driver's license — commercial (CDL) or non-commercial — you must meet the MVA's vision requirements.

Vision screening & submission options

You have several ways to complete your vision screening and submit your vision results. The option you use may depend on your age and how you renew your license.

• Visit an eye doctor
  • If your eye doctor is an authorized vision certification provider, they will submit your results directly to the MVA using a secure website. You don't need to do anything. You must have a valid Maryland driver’s license number to use this option.
  • If your eye doctor is not an authorized vision certification provider, bring the MVA vision form - PDF - 94.06 KB with you to your appointment. 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.

If you are 40 or older & renewing your license

Additional rules apply if you are 40 years old or older and eligible to renew online, at a kiosk or by mail.

• Online or self-service kiosk renewal: 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.

Vision requirements by license type

Noncommercial driver's license

Commercial driver's license (CDL)

Low vision? You may still qualify for a license

The Modified Vision Program allows some drivers with vision below the standard requirement to qualify for a restricted Maryland driver's license.

Who qualifies

You may be eligible if you have:

• Corrected vision between 20/70 and 20/100 (in one or both eyes), and
• A continuous field of vision of at least 100 degrees

How to apply

You, your doctor, or your eye specialist can contact the MVA Driver Wellness & Safety Division (DWS) to request a Modified Vision Program Package. Complete and return the package to DWS. The Medical Advisory Board (MAB) will review your case and determine if you qualify.

Steps to getting a license

Your next steps in the Modified Vision Program depend on whether you have had a driver’s license before.

If have or previously had a driver’s license

1. Complete a clinical and behind-the-wheel evaluation at an approved low-vision facility
2. Complete customized driver training at an approved low-vision driving school
3. Pass a Maryland road test at an MVA location

If you have never had a driver’s license

1. Complete a clinical evaluation at an approved low-vision facility
2. Complete 10 hours of basic driver education at an approved low-vision driving school
3. Complete a behind-the-wheel evaluation at an approved low-vision facility
4. Complete customized driver training at an approved low-vision driving school
5. Complete 60 hours of supervised driving (required of all new drivers)
6. Pass a Maryland road test at an MVA location

Your learner's permit will be updated as you progress through these steps.

License restrictions for program participants

Your driving record will include these restrictions:

• Outside mirrors on both sides of your vehicle
• Daylight driving only (30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset)
• Vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less only

You must also send one vision exam every year to DWS.

Removing the “daylight driving only” restriction

After at least one year in the program, you may request to remove the daylight driving restriction. 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