A 3-minute lesson from the Montana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Being in “shape” to drive means seeing clearly, being rested, sober, healthy and emotionally fit. Vision matters most — you drive based on what you see — so Montana tests it before issuing a license.
20/40
Minimum vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses
Seeing “out of the corner of your eye” to spot trouble beside you while looking ahead. You can't focus there, so also use your side mirrors and glance to the side.
Judging distances and speeds takes a lot of practice. It matters most for knowing how far you are from other vehicles and for judging safe gaps when merging and passing on two-lane roads.
Everyone sees less at night, and some drivers struggle with glare from oncoming headlights. If you have trouble seeing at night, don't drive more than necessary, and be very careful.
Hearing warns you of horns, sirens and screeching tires. Hearing loss can come on slowly; drivers with hearing problems learn to rely more on vision, and their driving records are as good as those of drivers with good hearing.
Your license requires corrective lenses and you're just driving to the corner store. Put them on anyway — if you're stopped without them, you could get a ticket.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What vision standard must you meet to pass Montana's vision test for a driver license?
20/40 vision in one eye, lenses allowed
20/20 vision in both eyes unaided
20/60 vision in both eyes
20/40 vision in both eyes without lenses
Answer: 20/40 vision in one eye, lenses allowed
Montana requires at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses, to pass the vision test.