1. What are the vision test requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Illinois?
In Illinois, drivers are required to pass a vision test in order to obtain a driver’s license. The minimum visual acuity required for a license is 20/40 in either or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses. Drivers must also be able to recognize colors and have a horizontal field of vision of at least 110 degrees.
2. What are the eye health standards for driving in Illinois?
In Illinois, persons with certain vision impairments may be granted a driver’s license with restricted driving privileges if they meet specific eye health standards. The applicant must have visual acuity in each eye of at least 20/50, measured with corrective lenses if necessary, and a horizontal field of vision of at least 120 degrees in each eye. In addition, the applicant must have peripheral vision to both sides of at least 70 degrees in each eye. A licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist must certify that the applicant meets these criteria.
3. Does Illinois require drivers to have their vision tested periodically?
No, Illinois does not require drivers to have their vision tested periodically.
4. Does Illinois require an eye exam prior to getting a driver’s license?
Yes, Illinois does require an eye exam prior to getting a driver’s license. The eye exam must be done by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist and must certify that the applicant has at least 20/40 vision in both eyes with or without corrective lenses.
5. Does Illinois require drivers to wear corrective lenses while driving?
No, Illinois does not require drivers to wear corrective lenses while driving. However, the law does require drivers to meet minimum vision standards in order to obtain a driver’s license.
6. Are different vision test standards applied to different types of driving in Illinois?
Yes. Different vision test standards are applied to different types of driving in Illinois. For example, commercial drivers must meet higher vision standards than non-commercial drivers.
7. Does Illinois offer driver’s license exemptions for people with certain vision impairments?
Yes, in Illinois a driver with vision impairment can obtain a restricted driver’s license if they meet certain requirements. This is done by obtaining an Illinois Vision Exemption (Form DSD DC 51). The applicant must visit a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist or the Illinois Department of Human Services Medical Unit for a vision test. If the vision test results meet the required standard, the applicant can be issued a restricted driver’s license.
8. What is the minimum vision requirement for operating a motor vehicle in Illinois?
In Illinois, drivers must have 20/40 vision in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses to be eligible for a driver’s license. If a driver has worse than 20/40 vision, they must be able to pass an additional vision test administered by a licensed eye doctor before they can receive a driver’s license.
9. Does Illinois allow drivers to wear contact lenses while driving?
Yes, Illinois allows drivers to wear contact lenses while driving.
10. Are there any limitations on driving for individuals with certain eye diseases in Illinois?
Yes, there are limitations on driving for individuals with certain eye diseases in Illinois. Individuals must meet the medical standards outlined in the Illinois Secretary of State’s Medical and Visual Standards for Drivers or provide an annual Medical Report signed by a licensed physician. The medical standards include vision requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for licensing. In addition, individuals with certain eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration may be subject to additional restrictions and requirements.
11. Does Illinois require drivers to pass a vision test before they can renew their license?
Yes, Illinois requires all drivers to pass a vision test before renewing their driver’s license.
12. What are the restrictions for individuals with color blindness in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Transportation does not impose any restrictions on individuals with color blindness. However, they do require that all drivers take a vision test when applying for, renewing, or upgrading a driver’s license. This ensures that the driver can safely operate a motor vehicle.
13. What age do drivers in Illinois need to submit a vision test when renewing their license?
In Illinois, drivers are required to submit a vision test when renewing their license starting at age 81.
14. Are there any restrictions on driving at night for people with poor vision in Illinois?
Yes, in Illinois, a person who has an uncorrected vision of 20/200 or less in either eye, or has a field of vision no greater than 20 degrees in any direction must not drive at night.
15. Are there any restrictions on driving for people with cataracts in Illinois?
Yes. In Illinois, people with cataracts must pass a medical evaluation and a vision test administered by the Illinois Secretary of State to obtain or renew a license. The minimum visual acuity requirement for driving in Illinois is 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. Drivers must also meet certain peripheral vision requirements.
16. Are there any exemptions from vision testing requirements applicable to seniors in Illinois?
Yes, there are certain exemptions from vision testing requirements for seniors in Illinois. Individuals who hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) need not be tested when renewing an Illinois driver’s license. Additionally, individuals who previously passed the vision test for their prior license renewal are not required to pass the vision test again if their license is renewed within one year of its expiration.
17. Does Illinois automatically revoke a driver’s license if they fail a vision test or eye exam?
No, Illinois does not automatically revoke a driver’s license if they fail a vision test or eye exam. However, the Secretary of State of Illinois may require individuals to prove they have the necessary visual acuity to safely operate a motor vehicle. If an individual is unable to meet the visual acuity standards, the Secretary of State may require that they submit a vision report from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, and if necessary, may take additional steps, such as requiring corrective lenses or restricting certain driving privileges.
18. Does Illinois require drivers to renew their vision test if their prescription changes significantly?
Yes, in Illinois, drivers must pass a vision screening test at each renewal and if their prescription changes significantly, they must provide proof of passing a vision test administered by an eye care professional.
19. How often does Illinois require drivers to have their eyes tested in order to drive safely and legally?
Illinois does not require drivers to have their eyes tested in order to drive safely and legally. However, it is recommended that drivers have their eyes checked every couple of years in order to make sure their vision is up to the standards for driving.
20. What are the consequences for failing a vision test or eye exam while driving in Illinois?
In Illinois, failing a vision test or eye exam can lead to the driver being issued a warning by the Secretary of State. The warning may require the driver to get an eye exam from an eye care professional and submit the results to the Secretary of State. Failure to comply with this warning can result in a license suspension.