Vision Test and Eye Health for Driving in Kansas

1. What are the vision test requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Kansas?


In order to obtain a driver’s license in Kansas, you must pass a vision test. You must be able to meet the vision standard of 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. You must also be able to recognize the colors of traffic signals and be able to distinguish between the shapes and sizes of other vehicles on the road.

2. What are the eye health standards for driving in Kansas?


The state of Kansas requires all drivers to pass an eye health exam to be eligible for a valid driver’s license. The vision examination must be conducted by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist and must meet the following vision standards:

1. Distance Visual Acuity: 20/40 or better

2. Color Perception: Normal color perception

3. Depth Perception: Normal depth perception

4. Field of Vision: 140 degrees in horizontal meridian

3. Does Kansas require drivers to have their vision tested periodically?


Yes, Kansas requires drivers 75 and older to have their vision tested every year. Drivers 18 and older must have their vision tested every five years when they renew their license.

4. Does Kansas require an eye exam prior to getting a driver’s license?


Yes, Kansas requires an eye exam prior to getting a driver’s license.

5. Does Kansas require drivers to wear corrective lenses while driving?


No, Kansas does not require drivers to wear corrective lenses while driving. However, drivers must meet certain visual acuity requirements which can be tested for with or without corrective lenses.

6. Are different vision test standards applied to different types of driving in Kansas?


Different vision tests are applied to different types of driving in Kansas. For a standard driver’s license, drivers must meet the vision standard of 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. For those seeking a commercial driver’s license, the vision standard is 20/40 in the better eye with or without corrective lenses, and at least 20/50 in the other eye. Drivers of vehicles with air brakes are required to have a visual acuity of at least 20/30 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, and must pass a peripheral vision test.

7. Does Kansas offer driver’s license exemptions for people with certain vision impairments?


Yes, Kansas does offer driver’s license exemptions for people with certain vision impairments. The applicant must meet minimum vision requirements and pass the medical evaluation.

8. What is the minimum vision requirement for operating a motor vehicle in Kansas?


The minimum vision requirement for operating a motor vehicle in Kansas is 20/40 vision in both eyes, or 20/30 vision in one eye and a correctable vision of at least 20/40 in the other eye. Drivers with more restricted vision may be restricted to daylight driving only.

9. Does Kansas allow drivers to wear contact lenses while driving?


Yes, Kansas does allow drivers to wear contact lenses while driving.

10. Are there any limitations on driving for individuals with certain eye diseases in Kansas?


Yes. Persons with certain eye diseases are subject to limitations on driving in Kansas. For example, those with central vision loss due to macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or cataracts may be limited to daylight driving only, or other restrictions. The exact restrictions depend on the individual’s specific vision measurements. It is recommended that individuals with any eye disease have their vision checked annually by a doctor and obtain any necessary restrictions from the Kansas Department of Revenue.

11. Does Kansas require drivers to pass a vision test before they can renew their license?


Yes, Kansas does require drivers to pass a vision test before they can renew their license.

12. What are the restrictions for individuals with color blindness in Kansas?


Individuals with color blindness in Kansas are not subject to any restrictions. However, specific jobs may require applicants to pass a color vision test in order to be eligible for employment.

13. What age do drivers in Kansas need to submit a vision test when renewing their license?


All drivers in Kansas must submit a vision test when renewing their license at any age.

14. Are there any restrictions on driving at night for people with poor vision in Kansas?


Yes, people with poor vision in Kansas are subject to the following restrictions when driving at night:

1. Must wear corrective lenses or glasses when driving.
2. Must dim the headlights of the vehicle when approaching other vehicles, streetlights, and traffic signals.
3. Must keep their headlights on low beams at all times while driving.
4. Must use a night vision device or other glare reduction device if needed.

15. Are there any restrictions on driving for people with cataracts in Kansas?


Yes, there are restrictions on driving for people with cataracts in Kansas. Drivers with cataracts must provide a copy of a report from their eye specialist that shows they have acceptable visual acuity and can safely operate a motor vehicle.

16. Are there any exemptions from vision testing requirements applicable to seniors in Kansas?


There are no exemptions from vision testing requirements for seniors in Kansas. However, persons 75 and older are not required to take the vision test when renewing their driver’s license.

17. Does Kansas automatically revoke a driver’s license if they fail a vision test or eye exam?


No, Kansas does not automatically revoke a driver’s license if they fail a vision test or eye exam. Drivers who fail the test must get a vision evaluation from their doctor and present it to the Division of Motor Vehicles before they can renew their license.

18. Does Kansas require drivers to renew their vision test if their prescription changes significantly?


Yes. Kansas law requires all drivers ages 40 and older to renew their vision test if there is a significant change in their prescription.

19. How often does Kansas require drivers to have their eyes tested in order to drive safely and legally?


Kansas does not require drivers to have their eyes tested in order to drive safely and legally.

20. What are the consequences for failing a vision test or eye exam while driving in Kansas?


If you fail a vision test or eye exam while driving in Kansas, you will be required to obtain corrective lenses and provide proof of this to the Kansas Department of Revenue. If you are found to be driving without corrective lenses after failing a vision test or eye exam, your license may be suspended and you may face other legal consequences.