Roadwise States South Carolina Driving lessons Vision requirements South Carolina driving lesson · Be in Shape to Drive
Vision requirements A 3-minute lesson from the South Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Be in Shape to Drive
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 32, 33, 34 Seeing well lets you identify traffic and road conditions, spot trouble and react in time. Have your eyes checked regularly by a licensed eye care professional, and know exactly when SCDMV will check them.
If you're required to wear corrective lenses: Always wear them when driving Avoid dark or tinted corrective lenses at night, even for glare; they cut the light you need Bioptic telescopic lens users must send form 412-LV to SCDMV's Driver Improvement unit every year Handbook p. 32 ↗ Know the rule
Your vision is tested at a branch with a mechanical device (orthorater) or by a licensed eye care professional. A professional must test you if you fail SCDMV's test or choose not to test at the branch.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Know the rule
SC-licensed eye care professionals submit the Certificate of Vision Examination electronically through SCDMV's portal; out-of-state professionals complete Form 412-NC.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Non-commercial drivers need a vision screening: The first time you apply for an SC permit or license To have corrective lens restriction code "A" removed When renewing a license or permit (since October 1, 2020) When surrendering an out-of-state license for an SC license Handbook p. 33 ↗ 36 months How long a standard vision screening certificate is valid (since May 18, 2024)
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Know the rule
If you need glasses or contacts to meet the minimum standard, a restriction is added to your permit or license, and driving without them is unlawful.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Restriction code "A" The corrective lens restriction on your license or permit.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Know the rule
If your vision improves so you no longer need lenses, bring a certificate of vision examination with the new readings, then renew your license to remove the restriction.
Handbook p. 34 ↗ Put it into practice
You passed the vision test wearing glasses, so your license has restriction A. Driving to school without them is unlawful, even for a short trip.
A useful reminder The standard is 20/40 corrected in one eye, not both eyes.
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 is the minimum acceptable vision standard in SC, corrected in one eye? 20/20 20/70 20/100 20/40 Answer: 20/40
The minimum vision standards do not require a greater degree of vision than 20/40 corrected in one eye.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ A restriction will be added to your license if: Your vision is corrected to the minimum standard only with corrective lenses You wear sunglasses while driving You have 20/20 vision You use an eye doctor's vision certificate Answer: Your vision is corrected to the minimum standard only with corrective lenses
A restriction is added if your vision meets the minimum standard only with the use of corrective lenses.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Which of these is unlawful under SC's vision rules? Wearing glasses while driving Driving without required lenses Having a restriction code on your license Getting an eye exam every year Answer: Driving without required lenses
It is unlawful to drive without corrective lenses if they are required to meet the minimum vision standard.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ At night, why should you avoid dark or tinted corrective lenses? They are illegal in SC at all times They cause double vision They cut the light you need to see They increase glare from headlights Answer: They cut the light you need to see
Dark or tinted corrective lenses reduce the light you need to see clearly at night, even if you think they help with glare.
Handbook p. 32 ↗ How often must a driver using bioptic telescopic lenses submit vision screening documentation to SCDMV? Every 5 years Every 10 years Only once, at initial licensing Every year Answer: Every year
Drivers who use bioptic telescopic lenses must submit vision screening documentation to SCDMV's Driver Improvement unit every year.
Handbook p. 32 ↗ Effective May 18, 2024, how long is a standard vision screening certificate valid? 12 months 36 months 24 months 60 months Answer: 36 months
Effective May 18, 2024, standard vision screening certificates are valid for 36 months.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Previous lesson Other SC laws: Selective Service, organ donation, litter & golf carts Next lesson Fatigue More in Be in Shape to Drive About the source Roadwise’s South Carolina course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 32, 33, 34. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check South Carolina’s DMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.