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In most of Australia you take a quick eyesight test at the counter when you apply for your learner licence. NSW, Victoria, WA, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT all list an eyesight test as a learner step. South Australia relies on your health declaration and asks for an Eyesight Certificate only if you have a vision condition. If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass, a corrective lenses condition goes on your licence and you must wear them every time you drive. If you fail the counter test, you are usually asked for a report from an optometrist or eye doctor.
State-by-state: the eyesight check when you apply
| State or territory | At learner application | If you need glasses or fail |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | You must pass an eyesight test when you apply. | Declare any medical condition at the same time. From age 75, drivers need a yearly medical and eyesight test. |
| Victoria | The learner permit test includes reading an eyesight chart. The probationary licence test includes an eyesight test too. | If you have poor vision, bring an eyesight certificate from a registered optometrist or ophthalmologist to the test. |
| Queensland | Confirm with TMR what eyesight assessment or report you need before you apply. | Ask TMR when you book your written road rules test. |
| WA | You take an eyesight test as part of the learner’s permit application. | If you need glasses or contacts to pass, your permit and licence are endorsed to say you must wear them. |
| SA | Declare any vision or eye condition on the application. | You may need an Eyesight Certificate from your doctor or an eyesight specialist. Corrective lenses show as condition S. |
| Tasmania | You take an eye test before your learner licence is issued. | Ask Service Tasmania what report is needed if you don’t pass. |
| ACT | Passing an eyesight test is a step to a learner licence. | Ask Access Canberra about the next step if you don’t pass. |
| NT | Passing an eyesight test is one of the requirements for a class C learner licence. | Talk to MVR on 1300 654 628. |
What happens on the day
- Bring the glasses or contact lenses you normally wear for distance.
- Read letters from a chart as the staff member asks.
- If you pass with glasses, a corrective lenses condition is added to your learner licence.
- If you don’t pass, you are asked for an eye report. Your learner licence waits until it arrives.
The standard behind the screen is the national one: 6/12 for a car licence, with a horizontal field of at least 110 degrees. Details are in Australian driving eyesight standards explained.
If you fail the counter eyesight test
- Book an optometrist. Tell them it is for a driver licence and bring the state’s form if you were given one.
- New glasses may be all you need. If your optometrist corrects your vision to the standard, you return with the report.
- Some results need a specialist. If your vision is below the standard, or your field of vision is reduced, the authority may ask for an ophthalmologist’s report and could issue a conditional licence.
Removing a glasses condition later
If you have laser surgery or your eyesight improves, you can apply to remove the condition. In South Australia, your doctor or optometrist completes eyesight certificate MR204, which you take to a Service SA centre or post. Other states have their own process; ask your licensing authority.
Common questions
Do I need glasses on my driving test?
Yes, if your licence has a corrective lenses condition. Driving without them breaks a licence condition.
Is there an eyesight test when I get my P plates?
In Victoria, yes: the probationary licence test includes an eyesight test. Elsewhere, check with your licensing authority, and report any change in your eyesight. Renewal and age-based checks are covered in older drivers’ licence rules in each state.
Related guides
- Driving with a medical condition or disability in Australia (series overview)
- Australian driving eyesight standards explained
- Learner licence rules in every Australian state compared
- Bioptic telescopes and driving in Australia
Want to practise the eyesight check? Our sister site Driving Eyesight Test has a free Australia letter chart on drivingeyesighttest.com. It is a practice screen, not an eye test.
Sources
- Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook”, Medical conditions and disability (nsw.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Planning Victoria, “Road to Solo Driving” handbook (transport.vic.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “Get a learner’s permit” and “Drive Safe” handbook (transport.wa.gov.au)
- Government of South Australia, “The Driver’s Handbook” (MR200, 2026) and “Remove an eyesight condition from your licence” (sa.gov.au)
- Service Tasmania, “Apply for or renew a learner driver licence” (service.tas.gov.au)
- ACT Government, “ACT Road Rules Handbook” (accesscanberra.act.gov.au)
- Northern Territory Government, “Road Users’ Handbook” (nt.gov.au)
- Austroads, “Assessing Fitness to Drive” (AP-G56-22) (austroads.gov.au)