• Eye Test Online
• Ohio Bmv Eye Test Machine
• Ohio Driver's License Vision Requirements

Commercial Driver

CDL Testing

First-Time Applicants

To obtain a CDL or Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), a driver is required to be at least 18 years old, possess a valid Ohio driver license, and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the United States.

During an eye test, eye doctors use eye charts to measure how well you see in the distance, compared with other human beings Ohio bmv eye exam chart. Download a Snellen eye chart and instructions for use here. Free Eye Chart - Download, Print, and Test. Searching for a free eye chart to check your vision at home? Simply click on the image to the right, and your download will begin. You can use this eye chart to check your entire family's vision. Remember: This is not a substitute for a complete medical eye exam by a licensed optometrist. If you have difficulty reading the eye chart, you’ll also be asked to conduct additional tests for distance vision on a vision testing machine. This machine measures the visual acuity of your eyes, individually and together. If you don’t pass the eye exam, the DMV may consider a variety of.

• A CLP holder can only operate a commercial motor vehicle on a highway when driving with a CDL holder properly endorsed for the vehicle being driven.
• A CLP is valid for six months and may be renewed once before it expires.
• Drivers seeking to obtain a CDL or CLP must self-certify their type of driving.
• After a CDL is issued, adding a passenger endorsement, upgrading the license or removing a restriction require both knowledge and skills tests.

Knowledge Tests

A knowledge test is required for each class of vehicle, for each endorsement and to remove the air brake restriction. If any knowledge test is failed, the applicant must wait one day to retest.

Skills Tests

The driver must provide a vehicle appropriate for the class of license he or she is applying for, including a bus (designed to carry 16 or more persons including the driver) if applying for a passenger endorsement. Third-party testing sites may have vehicles available for rent.
If any part of the skills test is failed, driver must wait one week to retest.

Skills testing consists of:

• Pre-trip inspection (driver is permitted 30 minutes to complete)
• Basic maneuverability test (driver is permitted 40 minutes to complete)
• Road test

Renewal or Upgrade

When applying for a CDL renewal or upgrade, the driver must provide any updated information, complete any additional testing, and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the United States.

• Drivers who surrendered a CDL license or any endorsement must pay applicable fees and retake knowledge and skills test(s) to obtain another CDL.
• If requesting a hazardous materials endorsement, the driver must complete the Transportation Security Administration’s Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program application process before the license can be issued.

CDL Vision Requirements

In order to qualify for a CDL a driver must:

• Have vision in both eyes (binocular vision)
• Have a minimum acuity of 20/40 in each eye with or without lenses
• Have a visual field of not less than 70 degrees

Applicants must meet Minimum Visual Acuity Standards. If a driver is unable to meet federal 391 standards, he or she may be eligible for a restricted CDL.

CDL Vision Waiver

If a driver has a K restriction (intrastate driving only), he or she must obtain a vision waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to drive for a company regulated by the Public Commission Utilities of Ohio.

• Click HERE for information about PUCO Provisional Medical Certification.
• Click HERE for information about FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs.

Fees for Testing

At a state-owned testing facility, a CDL Test Receipt first must be purchased at any deputy registrar agency.

• Pre-trip inspection: $10.00
• Basic maneuverability test: $10.00
• Road test: $30.00

At a third-party testing facility, fees are paid on site.

• Pre-trip inspection: $27.00
• Basic maneuverability test: $27.00
• Road test: $61.00

Out-of-State CDL Applicants

Out-of-state applicants may take the Ohio CDL skills test with an out-of-state CLP as long as the driver presents a current out-of-state driver license and a completion certificate from an Ohio truck driving school. Additionally, out-of-state applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the United States.

Where Do I Go?

• For knowledge testing, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
• For driving and skills testing, visit any CDL skills/testing location in Ohio.
• For issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio.

Ohio Revised Code: 4506.10

Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-20 (E) (1) (4)

Please contact us
by Live Chat Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Or call (844) 644-6268 (OHIOBMV)

Eye Test Online

You must pass a vision screening to get a license or permit, even if you are renewing or amending your existing license or permit. If you normally wear glasses or contacts while driving, you need to wear them when you take your vision screening at the branch. However, the BMV may waive the vision screening for a learner’s permit or driver’s license if you provide Vision Screening Documentation – State Form 56520 completed by a licensed ophthalmologist or licensed optometrist.

If your visual ability does not meet state standards, you will be referred to an eye doctor for examination. You may return to the branch with a statement from an eye doctor certifying that your vision has been corrected to meet the state standard. When you present a statement from an eye doctor, you will still be required to pass a vision screening at the branch.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, a Type B restriction will be placed on your driver's license.

The most common restrictions placed on a driver's license include:

• B: driver must wear glasses or contact lenses when driving.
• F: driver must use outside rearview mirrors when driving.
• G: driver may drive only during daylight hours.

Drivers Who Read Without Glasses

Drivers Who Read With Glasses

Ohio Bmv Eye Test Machine

Vision screening is not required for online renewing, but you can only renew online if your previous renewal was completed in a BMV branch.

Still Have Questions?

Ohio Driver's License Vision Requirements

Send us an email about the vision screening test.