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Western states mostly use 20/40 as the line for a driver’s license with no vision limits, with glasses or contacts allowed. California tests both eyes together and each eye (20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other). Wyoming adds a 120-degree field and a driving test for 20/40 to 20/100. Washington removes night driving below 20/70 corrected. This guide covers Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, with each state’s bioptic status.
The basics of the DMV vision test are in the vision test by state guide.
Western vision standards, state by state
| State | Acuity standard | Field of vision | Lower-vision options | Bioptic telescopes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 20/40 in each eye or both eyes together | Check with the state | Check with the state | Reported allowed; check with the DMV |
| Arizona | Check with the state | Check with the state | Check with the state | Allowed: 20/40 through the bioptic, 4x maximum (A.A.C. R17-4-503) |
| California | 20/40 with both eyes together, and 20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other | No figure on the DMV page; your eye doctor reports fields on the DL 62 | Fail and you are referred for a DL 62; restrictions can be added; 20/200 or worse can’t be scheduled for a drive test | Allowed; see the California guide |
| Colorado | Check with the state | Check with the state | Check with the state | Allowed: 20/40 through the telescope if carrier is worse than 20/100 (form DR 2402) |
| Hawaii | Check with the state | Check with the state | Check with the state | Reported allowed; check with your county licensing office |
| Idaho | 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without lenses | Check with the state | Check with the state | Reported allowed; check with ITD |
| Montana | 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without lenses | Check with the state | Check with the state | Reported allowed; check with the MVD |
| Nevada | 20/40 in at least one eye | Check with the state | Check with the state | Allowed: 20/120 carrier, 20/40 telescope, daylight, 45 mph (NAC 483.410) |
| New Mexico | 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without lenses | Check with the state | Check with the state | Reported allowed; check with the MVD |
| Oklahoma | Check with the state | Check with the state | Check with the state | Allowed: restricted Class D, 4x maximum (OAC 260:135-5-52) |
| Oregon | Check with the state for regular licenses | 120 degrees horizontal and 80 vertical for the limited vision program | Limited vision program for 20/80 to 20/200 best-corrected, using a bioptic | Allowed (limited vision program) |
| Texas | Check with the state | Check with the state | Check with the state | Reported allowed; check with Texas DPS |
| Utah | 20/40 in at least one eye | 90 degrees | If you fail, take a vision form (CVE) to an eye doctor | Not allowed (Utah DLD vision guidance) |
| Washington | Worse than 20/40 (both eyes) means an eye exam | Not set on the rule page | Can’t reach 20/40: re-examination; below 20/70 corrected: no night driving; below 20/100 corrected: fail | Users referred for re-examination |
| Wyoming | 20/40 with both eyes, with or without glasses | 120 degrees combined horizontal | Worse than 20/40 but at least 20/100: driving skills test | Allowed: 20/100 carrier, 20/40 telescope (Wyo. rules ch. 1, sec. 16) |
Where a cell says “check with the state”, ask the state licensing agency for the figure before your appointment.
Restricted licenses in the West
- Washington: no night driving if you can’t be corrected to at least 20/70, and a fail below 20/100 (WAC 308-104-010).
- Wyoming: a driving skills test between 20/40 and 20/100.
- California: the DMV can add restrictions that limit driving exposure while allowing more training or practice, after reviewing your DL 62.
Codes on your license are explained in restriction codes explained.
Bioptic telescopes in the West
- California: you can’t use the bioptic to pass the screening, and you need better than 20/200 in one eye without it. Then come a DL 62 and a driving test wearing it.
- Oregon: runs a limited vision program with a certified rehabilitation training specialist, a special learner’s permit and recertification every 2 years.
- Washington: refers anyone using bioptic or telescopic lenses for re-examination.
- Utah: the Driver License Division says telescopic lenses are not allowed for driving.
- Wyoming: allowed if carrier vision is 20/100 or better and the telescope gives at least 20/40.
- Nevada: 20/120 through the carrier lens and 20/40 through the telescope, then daylight only and 45 mph.
Full table: bioptic driving laws by state.
Is vision checked again at renewal?
Washington may waive the vision test for mail or online renewals if you certify you see at least 20/40 and have no other vision problems. For other Western states, check your renewal notice.
Before your permit appointment
- Wear your driving glasses or contacts.
- In California, bring any DL 62 your eye doctor completed. Your eye doctor should use an exam from the last six months.
- Ask your eye doctor about your own vision. This guide covers licensing rules only.
Other regions: Northeast, South, Midwest. All medical topics: US guide to driving with a medical condition or disability.
Want to practise the eyesight check? Our sister site Driving Eyesight Test has a free US letter chart on drivingeyesighttest.com. It is a practice screen, not an eye test.
Sources
- Bioptic column: the state rule, statute or form cited in each row (full list in the bioptic driving laws by state guide)
- California DMV, “Vision Conditions” and “Report of Vision Examination (DL 62), rev. 8/2024” (dmv.ca.gov)
- Washington State Legislature, “WAC 308-104-010” (app.leg.wa.gov)
- Oregon DMV, “Limited Vision” driving privileges page (oregon.gov)
- Wyoming DOT, “Wyoming Driver License Manual” (dot.state.wy.us)
- Montana MVD, “Montana Driver Manual” (rev. April 2024) (mvdmt.gov)
- Utah Driver License Division, “Utah Driver Handbook” (2026) (dld.utah.gov)
- Driver manuals and licensing pages of Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and New Mexico (official state domains)