Form 1A Eye Test & Vision Requirements for Driving Licence
The eye test is the most important part of the Form 1A medical examination. The doctor checks your visual acuity, colour vision, and night blindness to determine if you are medically fit to hold a driving licence. Here is everything you need to know.
What the Doctor Tests
The Form 1A eye examination covers four key areas. Each is designed to assess whether you can safely operate a vehicle on Indian roads.
1. Visual acuity (Snellen chart)
The doctor tests how clearly you can see at a distance using a standard Snellen chart (the chart with letters of decreasing size). Each eye is tested separately, both with and without spectacles if applicable. The result is recorded as a fraction (e.g., 6/6, 6/12, 6/18).
2. Number plate reading (25 metres)
A practical test where you must read a standard Indian number plate from a distance of 25 metres. This simulates real driving conditions — you need to read road signs and vehicle plates at a reasonable distance. Spectacles are permitted if normally worn while driving.
3. Colour vision (Ishihara chart)
The standard Ishihara plate test checks whether you can distinguish red, green, and amber — the three traffic signal colours. Since the 2020 MORTH amendment, mild or medium colour vision deficiency is acceptable. Only severe/total colour blindness is disqualifying.
4. Night blindness check
The doctor assesses your ability to see in low-light conditions. Night blindness (nyctalopia) can make driving after sunset dangerous. This may be tested through clinical questioning or a dimmed-light test. Severe night blindness can result in a "Fit with restrictions" notation limiting driving to daytime only.
What If You Wear Spectacles?
Wearing spectacles or contact lenses does not disqualify you from getting a driving licence. The key question is whether your corrected vision (with spectacles) meets the required standard.
- The doctor records your vision both with and without spectacles on Form 1A.
- If corrected vision meets the standard, Form 1A notes: "Corrected by spectacles."
- Your driving licence will carry a condition: "Holder must wear spectacles while driving."
- Driving without spectacles when your licence requires them is a traffic violation and can result in a fine.
Tip for spectacle wearers
Bring your current spectacles to the Form 1A examination. If your prescription has changed recently, get updated spectacles before the test. An outdated prescription can result in lower visual acuity readings and potential rejection.
Vision Standards by Vehicle Category
The minimum vision requirements differ based on the type of vehicle licence you are applying for. Transport and heavy motor vehicle categories have stricter standards.
| Category | Better eye | Other eye | Number plate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMV (Non-transport) | 6/12 or better | 6/36 or better | 25 metres | Spectacle correction accepted |
| HMV / Transport | 6/9 or better | 6/18 or better | 25 metres | Stricter standards; binocular vision preferred |
Night Blindness and Driving
Night blindness (nyctalopia) is the inability to see well in low-light conditions. While it does not necessarily disqualify you from getting a driving licence, the doctor will assess the severity:
- Mild: Some difficulty in very dark conditions — usually certified as "Fit" without restrictions.
- Moderate: Significant difficulty in low light — may receive "Fit with restrictions" (daytime driving only).
- Severe: Cannot function in low-light conditions — may be combined with other eye conditions for an overall fitness assessment.
Eye Test & Vision Requirements FAQs
Can I get Form 1A if I wear spectacles?
What vision score is needed for a driving licence?
Do they test both eyes separately?
Can I get a driving licence with vision in only one eye?
Is LASIK surgery a problem for Form 1A?
What happens if I fail the eye test?
Related guides
Colour Blindness & Driving Licence
Can colour blind persons get a driving licence in India?
Form 1 vs Form 1A
Self-declaration vs medical certificate — which do you need?
Form 1A for Transport & Commercial Licence
Special vision requirements for HMV and commercial licences.
Form 1A Validity, Cost & Fees
How long is Form 1A valid and what does it cost?
Upload Form 1A on Parivahan / Sarathi
Step-by-step guide to uploading your medical certificate.
Get your Form 1A eye test done online
Complete vision assessment included. RTO-approved doctors. Direct Parivahan upload.
Certificate issuance depends on clinical assessment by the examining doctor. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Vision standards may vary by state and are subject to CMVR amendments. Consult an ophthalmologist if you have concerns about your vision fitness for driving.