Vision rules

Key points

1. If you must wear corrective lenses, always wear them when driving, and avoid tinted lenses at night.

   Source: Handbook p. 3-1

   “Always wear them when driving. Avoid using dark or tinted corrective lenses at night, even if you think they help with glare.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 3-1

2. Drivers using bioptic telescopic lenses must submit vision documentation every year.

   Source: Handbook p. 3-1

   “to SCDMV's Driver Improvement unit every year.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 3-1

3. Standard vision screening certificates are valid for 36 months.

   Source: Handbook p. 3-2

   “Effective May 18, 2024, standard vision screening certificates will be valid for 36 months.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 3-2

4. The minimum standard is 20/40 corrected in one eye.

   Source: Handbook p. 3-2

   “The minimum vision standards do not require a greater degree of vision than 20/40 corrected in one eye.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 3-2

5. It is unlawful to drive without corrective lenses if you need them to meet the standard.

   Source: Handbook p. 3-2

   “It is unlawful for you to drive a motor vehicle without the use of corrective lenses if they are required to meet the minimum standards.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 3-2

Numbers to know

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. What is the minimum corrected vision South Carolina requires?

   1. No greater than 20/40 corrected in one eye
   2. 20/70 in both eyes
   3. 20/100 in one eye
   4. 20/20 in both eyes
   Show answer

   No greater than 20/40 corrected in one eye. The minimum vision standards do not require a greater degree of vision than 20/40 corrected in one eye. If you reach that standard only with glasses or contact lenses, a corrective lens restriction is added to the permit or license, and if your vision later improves you must submit a new certificate of vision examination and renew the license to remove the restriction.

2. 2. How often must a South Carolina driver who uses bioptic telescopic lenses submit vision documentation?

   1. Only once at licensing
   2. Every year, to the SCDMV Driver Improvement unit
   3. Every 10 years
   4. Never, if the lenses are prescribed
   Show answer

   Every year, to the SCDMV Driver Improvement unit. If you use bioptic telescopic lenses to operate a motor vehicle, you must submit the low vision acuity screening form to the SCDMV's Driver Improvement unit every year. Ordinary drivers who need corrective lenses simply carry a restriction and must always wear them when driving, and standard vision certificates are valid for 36 months. The yearly check tracks whether the low vision driver still meets the standard.

3. 3. How recent must a Certificate of Vision Examination be for the SCDMV to accept it?

   1. Within 30 days
   2. Within 12 months
   3. Within 5 years
   4. Dated within the past 36 months
   Show answer

   Dated within the past 36 months. The SCDMV offers vision screening at all branches, but it may accept a Certificate of Vision Examination from a licensed eye care professional if it is dated within the past 36 months. South Carolina licensed professionals submit the certificate through the SCDMV online portal, and out of state professionals complete the paper form. Effective May 18, 2024, standard certificates are valid for 36 months.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 3: Be in Shape to Drive. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.