Colour vision is one of the items checked during the Form 1A medical examination for an Indian driving licence. The concern is practical: traffic signals, brake lights, and road signs use red, amber, and green, so a driver must reliably distinguish those colours.
This page explains how colour vision is typically tested, what types of colour vision deficiency tend to matter, and what your options are if you know you have a colour vision issue.
Quick facts
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Read the steps + FAQs below. Written for patients, not policy documents.
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Most colour vision testing during Form 1A is done using Ishihara plates: a series of dotted images where a number or path is visible only if your colour vision is normal.
Clear guidance and an application flow designed for real-world acceptance.
If the doctor sees results that suggest CVD, they may attempt confirmatory testing or note the finding and refer you for an ophthalmologist evaluation before issuing the medical certificate.
Clear guidance and an application flow designed for real-world acceptance.
If you already know you have CVD (many people are diagnosed in childhood school screenings), tell the doctor up front. It does not automatically mean a 'fail' for non-transport categories, but the assessment will be more thorough.
Clear guidance and an application flow designed for real-world acceptance.
A simple flow that feels like a modern healthcare app — not a confusing form.
During Form 1A, the doctor performs the colour vision check along with the rest of the eye examination (visual acuity, gross field of vision, etc.).
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If your colour vision is found to be impaired, the doctor uses clinical judgement based on severity, the licence category you've applied for, and the relevant Motor Vehicles rules in your state.
Follow the next step and submit complete details to avoid delays.
If you suspect or have a confirmed diagnosis of CVD, consider an ophthalmologist evaluation before the Form 1A appointment so you have the relevant report in hand.
Follow the next step and submit complete details to avoid delays.
Clear answers to the questions people have before paying.
Driving safety, not labels
Colour vision testing exists because traffic signals depend on it — the goal is safety, not gatekeeping.
Severity matters
Mild red-green CVD is common and is often compatible with non-transport driving; severe CVD is more limiting, especially for commercial categories.
Be transparent with the doctor
Telling the doctor you have known CVD before the exam ensures the right tests are done and the form is filled correctly.
Written in plain language to reduce doubts.
Not automatically. The outcome depends on the severity of the colour vision deficiency, the category of licence (private vs transport), and the doctor's clinical judgement based on Motor Vehicles rules.
Most commonly the Ishihara plate test, sometimes supplemented by other clinical assessments if findings are unclear. The exact protocol depends on the medical practitioner.
Transport categories have stricter colour vision standards because of the higher safety consequences. Severe red-green CVD will typically affect eligibility for these categories. Discuss with an ophthalmologist and the medical practitioner.
Online colour vision tools can be useful for self-screening, but the colour vision check that goes on Form 1A must be performed by the medical practitioner during the in-person examination.
You can seek a second clinical opinion from an ophthalmologist and bring that report to a fresh Form 1A appointment. The final decision still rests with the medical practitioner who signs the form.
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Ready to start the Form 1A process?
Open the Form 1A hub to see your state's workflow and what to do next.
Ready to start the Form 1A process?
Open the Form 1A hub to see your state's workflow and what to do next.