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Across the Midwest, 20/40 is the usual vision line for a driver’s license without vision limits, with glasses or contacts allowed. The details vary more than in other regions. Minnesota publishes speed limits tied to your acuity (as low as 45 mph at 20/70). South Dakota checks each eye as well as both together. Wisconsin sets a 70-degree field from the center of each eye. This guide covers Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin, with bioptic status for each.
Basics such as what 20/40 means are in the vision test by state guide.
Midwest vision standards, state by state
| State | Acuity standard | Field of vision | Lower-vision options | Bioptic telescopes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 20/40, with or without lenses | Check with the state for regular licenses | Check with the state | Allowed; see the Illinois guide |
| Indiana | Screening at the BMV; check the figure with the BMV | Check with the state | Check with the state | Allowed; see the Indiana guide |
| Iowa | 20/40 in at least one eye without lenses for no restriction | Check with the state | Check with the state | Not allowed to meet the acuity standard (761 IAC 605.3) |
| Kansas | 20/40 in at least one eye (lenses allowed) | Check with the state | An eye-specialist form must be from the last 90 days | Reported allowed; check with the state |
| Michigan | Check with the state | Check with the state | Check with the state | Reported allowed; see the Michigan guide |
| Minnesota | 20/40 or better with one usable eye or both eyes | 105 degrees horizontal for an unrestricted license; under 100 degrees means denial | 20/50: 55 mph limit; 20/60: 50 mph; 20/70: 45 mph; daylight and area limits possible; 20/80 up to 20/100 referred for evaluation; 20/100 or worse corrected means denial | Reported case by case; check with DVS |
| Missouri | 20/40 with either or both eyes | 55 degrees in each eye, or 85 degrees in one eye | Worse than 20/160 (natural and corrected) or a combined field under 70 degrees means no license. A road sign recognition test is given with the vision test | Driving aid only: you must pass up to 20/160 without it (12 CSR 10-24.090) |
| Nebraska | Check with the state | Check with the state | Check with the state | Allowed: acuity through the telescope, yearly driving test (247 NAC 7-002.04) |
| North Dakota | Check with the state | Check with the state | Check with the state | Allowed: 20/130 carrier, 20/40 telescope (NDAC 37-08-01) |
| Ohio | Set by Ohio Administrative Code rule 4501:1-1-20; check the figure with the BMV | Check with the state | Check with the state | Allowed; see the Ohio guide |
| South Dakota | 20/40 or better with both eyes, and no worse than 20/50 in either eye, for no restrictions | Check with the state | Wear lenses if you used them for the test (restriction code B) | Reported allowed; check with the state |
| Wisconsin | 20/40 in one eye, with or without glasses | 70 degrees from the center of each eye | Check with the state | Can’t be used to meet the standard (Trans 112.02, 112.14) |
Where a cell says “check with the state”, ask the state licensing agency for the figure before your appointment.
Minnesota’s speed-limited licenses explained
Minnesota’s rule is the most detailed in the region, so it is worth spelling out:
| Corrected acuity | Possible restriction |
|---|---|
| 20/40 or better | None for vision (lens restriction if you wear them) |
| 20/50 | Maximum 55 mph |
| 20/60 | Maximum 50 mph |
| 20/70 | Maximum 45 mph, and no freeways, expressways or limited-access highways with higher limits |
| 20/80 up to 20/100 | Referred to the driver evaluation unit |
| 20/100 or worse | Denied or canceled |
With 20/50 or less, Minnesota may also restrict you to daylight hours or a set area. A field below 105 degrees can mean a restricted license, and you may need left and right outside mirrors.
Bioptic telescopes in the Midwest
Illinois, Indiana and Ohio publish bioptic rules on official pages. Confirm the details with the state:
- Illinois: 20/40 through a telescope no stronger than 2.2x standard or 3.0x wide angle, and daylight only for at least 12 months.
- Indiana: 20/40 through a telescope of 4x or less, plus a BMV-approved rehabilitation program.
- Ohio: a driving exam by at least two examiners.
Nebraska allows bioptics, with a yearly driving test. Iowa will not license anyone who needs a bioptic to meet the acuity standard. Full table: bioptic driving laws by state.
Is vision checked again at renewal?
Renewal screening rules vary across the Midwest. Read your renewal notice and expect a screening if you renew in person.
Before your permit appointment
- Wear your driving glasses or contacts, and bring any eye report your state asked for.
- If you have a low-vision condition, contact the medical review or driver evaluation unit before booking.
- Ask your eye doctor about your own vision. This guide covers licensing rules only.
Other regions: Northeast, South, West. Restriction codes: explained here. 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)
- Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, “Minnesota Rules 7410.2400 Vision standards” (revisor.mn.gov)
- Illinois Secretary of State, “Rules of the Road” and “Medical and Vision Conditions” (ilsos.gov)
- Indiana BMV, “Driver Ability Program” (in.gov)
- Ohio Administrative Code, “Rule 4501:1-1-33” (codes.ohio.gov)
- South Dakota Department of Public Safety, “South Dakota Driver License Manual” (dps.sd.gov)
- Wisconsin DMV, “Motorists’ Handbook” (wisconsindot.gov)
- Iowa DOT, driver’s manual (iowadot.gov)
- Kansas Department of Revenue, “Kansas Driving Handbook” (rev. February 2022) (ksrevenue.gov)
- Missouri Department of Revenue, “Missouri Driver Guide” (rev. August 2026) (dor.mo.gov)