Vision is the single most important sense for safe driving, so it's also the most consequential part of the Form 1A medical examination. The doctor checks several aspects of your vision to confirm you can safely operate a vehicle.
This page explains what gets tested during the Form 1A eye exam, what the typical visual acuity standards are, and what to expect if you wear corrective lenses or have a known eye condition.
Quick facts
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Read the steps + FAQs below. Written for patients, not policy documents.
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Visual acuity is checked binocularly (both eyes together) and monocularly (each eye covered in turn). Bring your everyday glasses or contacts to the exam — vision is measured with whatever correction you normally use.
Clear guidance and an application flow designed for real-world acceptance.
Colour vision testing is most commonly done with Ishihara plates — see the dedicated colour blindness page for details.
Clear guidance and an application flow designed for real-world acceptance.
Gross visual field is checked by confrontation: the doctor asks if you can see fingers or movement at the edges of your peripheral vision. Significant field loss is uncommon but is a serious finding for driving safety.
Clear guidance and an application flow designed for real-world acceptance.
If your acuity is below the threshold even with correction, you may need a fresh prescription or specialist evaluation before Form 1A can be issued.
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.
Wear your usual glasses or contact lenses to the appointment.
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The doctor reads off the Snellen chart from 6 metres and records your visual acuity for each eye.
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Colour vision and gross field are checked next; this only takes a couple of minutes.
Follow the next step and submit complete details to avoid delays.
If results are within the acceptable range, the doctor records the values on Form 1A. If not, they may refer you for an ophthalmology consult before issuing the certificate.
Follow the next step and submit complete details to avoid delays.
Clear answers to the questions people have before paying.
Correction is allowed
Wearing glasses or contacts isn't a problem — it's expected for many drivers. The licence is endorsed to require correction.
Standards differ by category
Transport / commercial licences require sharper vision than personal licences because of the higher safety stakes.
Get an updated prescription if it's been a while
If you haven't had an eye test in 2+ years, consider booking one before your Form 1A appointment.
Written in plain language to reduce doubts.
For non-transport licences, the typical standard is around 6/9 in the better eye and 6/12 in the other (with correction). Transport licences typically need 6/6 and 6/9. Confirm exact state rules.
No. Vision is tested with your usual correction (glasses or contacts). The doctor records the corrected acuity, and your licence is endorsed to require correction.
If your post-surgery vision meets the threshold, no. Bring any recent ophthalmology records. The doctor may want to confirm there are no residual issues that affect driving.
Failing usually means your current correction isn't adequate. See an ophthalmologist for an updated prescription or to address any underlying eye condition, then re-attempt Form 1A once your vision is at standard.
It depends on the licence category and the visual acuity in the seeing eye. Non-transport licences are sometimes possible with strong vision in the remaining eye; transport licences typically require functional binocular vision. Specialist assessment is required.
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Ready for the Form 1A medical exam?
Open the Form 1A hub for state-specific workflow and the next step in your application.
Ready for the Form 1A medical exam?
Open the Form 1A hub for state-specific workflow and the next step in your application.