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Drivers License Vision Requirement in Alberta

Are you getting ready to take your driver’s license examination? We help with driver’s eye exam your next eye exam let your optometrist know and they will let you know what you might expect. Some drivers have restrictions on their license such as a requirement to drive with their glasses on.

A vision assessment is required before you are eligible to obtain an Alberta Driver’s Licence.

If you do not meet the vision standards, you will be referred to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to have a Vision Referral form completed. If you have corrective glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you for your vision assessment.

Alberta Vision Requirements

In order to be a safe and proactive driver, it’s important to have good vision, or the proper eyewear to attain that vision standard. A driver’s eye exam will check your eyes to determine what corrective lenses you will need to drive safely. While you may meet the vision requirements for the standard Class 5 license, many people are unaware that there are different prerequisites for the numerous classes of licenses. Should you have difficulties with the basic testing services available while at a registry office, you may be referred to an optometrist for further testing.

Colour Deficiencies and Driving

While colour deficiencies have not been shown to affect driving abilities, all drivers must be able to demonstrate that they can tell the difference between street light colours.

Double Vision and Driving

If you suffer from uncorrectable Double Vision (Diplopia) unfortunately you will be unable to attain an Alberta Drivers License. If however, you have a temporary condition that causes Double Vision, you may be permitted for up to 3-months in both Class 5 and 6 licenses.

Double Vision and Driving

*Visual Field Defects

  • Central or Peripheral Scotomas — If this condition is detected further testing will be ordered by your optometrist and you will be referred to an ophthalmologist for an additional assessment.
  • Hemianopsia and Quadranopsia — If your diagnosis is that of a complete homononymous hemianopsia you will not be permitted to hold an Alberta Drivers License. Partial hemianopsia or quadranopsia diagnosis’ are based on individual circumstances and you may still be eligible to hold a license. Further testing will be required.

We recommend that parents bring in their teenagers before applying for learners’ or driver’s licenses just to be sure their vision is in tip-top shape before hitting the roads.

**To learn more about vision requirements for driver’s licenses, please visit the Government of Alberta website at Alberta.ca or the Ministry of Transportation page.

Drivers License Vision Requirements

Class 1 — Professional (Any Vehicle)

  • 20/30 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/100
  • Visual Field — 150 continuous degrees horizontally and 20 degrees above and below fixation vertically

Class 2 — Professional (Bus)

  • 20/30 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/100
  • Visual Field — 150 continuous degrees horizontally and 20 degrees above and below fixation vertically

Class 3 — 3-Axle Plus

  • 20/30 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/100
  • Visual Field — 150 continuous degrees horizontally and 20 degrees above and below fixation vertically

Class 4 — Professional (Taxi)

  • 20/40 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
  • Visual Field — 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically

Class 5 — 2-Axle (Cars, Light Trucks, Motor Homes or Mopeds) Standard License

  • 20/50 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
  • Visual Field — 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically

Class 5 — Professional

  • 20/40 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
  • Visual Field — 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically

Class 6 — Motorcycle & Moped

  • 20/50 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
  • Visual Field — 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically

Class 7 — Learners (2-Axel, Motorcycle & Moped)

  • 20/50 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
  • Visual Field — 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically