Vision screening — South Carolina Permit Test

Vision screening on the South Carolina permit test — 5 rules, each with the reason behind it and a question on it while it is fresh.

The rules

A licensed eye care professional must test your vision if you fail SCDMV's eye test or choose not to be tested in the branch office.

A failed office screening does not end the matter; a professional exam settles whether you can be licensed and with what restriction.

A licensed eye care professional must test your vision if you fail SCDMV’s test or choose not to be tested in the branch office.
South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.33

A vision screening is required the first time you apply for a South Carolina beginner's permit or driver's license.

The state confirms a new driver can see well enough before they are allowed on the road at all.

The first time you apply for an SC beginner’s permit or driver’s license.
South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.33

The minimum vision standard does not require better than 20/40 corrected in one eye.

The standard sets a floor of usable sight while still allowing licenses for people with one good eye or with glasses.

The minimum vision standards do not require a greater degree of vision than 20/40 corrected in one eye.
South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.33

A restriction is added to your permit or license if you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the minimum vision standard.

The restriction on the card tells an officer that driving without lenses is a violation for you.

A restriction will be added to your beginner’s permit or driver’s license if your vision is corrected to meet the minimum standards with the use of corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses).
South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.33

To remove a corrective-lens restriction you must provide a certificate of vision examination from a licensed eye care professional showing the new readings, then have your license renewed.

The restriction stays in force until the improvement is documented, so you cannot simply stop wearing lenses.

If your vision improves to the extent that corrective lenses are no longer necessary you must provide a certificate of vision examination from a licensed eye care professional showing the new vision readings.
South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.34

On the test

What happens if you fail the eye test at an SCDMV branch office?

A licensed eye care professional must test you. A failed office screening does not end the matter; a professional exam settles whether you can be licensed and with what restriction. South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.33: “A licensed eye care professional must test your vision if you fail SCDMV’s test or choose not to be tested in the branch office.”

How this works

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Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against South Carolina Driver's Manual, published by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-10-03.