Driving is an essential part of daily life for many Kentuckians. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or visiting family, having a valid driver’s license gives you the freedom to stay independent and mobile. But to keep yourself and others safe while you’re out driving, it’s important to make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible. That’s why Kentucky has recently updated its laws to require a vision screening for all drivers renewing their licenses—whether online or in person.

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now is the perfect time to check in on your vision and make sure you're seeing clearly on the road.

Below, our Kentucky-based eye care team at Opticare Vision Center discusses what to expect from your vision screening, how to meet Kentucky’s new requirements, and why scheduling a comprehensive eye exam at one of our trusted clinics is the best way to ensure safe driving for years to come.

Kentucky’s New Vision Requirements for Driver’s License Renewal

Starting January 1, 2025, all Kentucky drivers renewing their licenses must pass a vision screening. This new law aims to improve road safety by ensuring that all drivers meet basic vision standards. The requirement applies to both in-person and online renewals, meaning you must either visit a licensing office for a vision test or submit proof of a recent eye exam from a qualified provider.

If your vision does not meet the minimum standard, you may need corrective lenses or additional testing before your license can be renewed.

What to Expect During Your Vision Screening

If you visit a licensing office, a basic vision screening will be conducted using an eye chart. This test measures how well you can see to determine if your eyesight meets Kentucky’s legal driving requirements, but is not a full assessment of your eye health or prescription needs.

In contrast, visiting one of our Kentucky eye care locations for your vision check allows you to receive a comprehensive eye exam that goes beyond simple acuity testing. During this exam, our eye doctors will evaluate:

• Visual acuity – Testing how clearly you see at a distance.
• Peripheral vision – Checking for blind spots that could affect driving.
• Depth perception – Ensuring you can judge distances correctly.
• Color vision – Identifying potential color blindness that may impact traffic sign recognition.
• Eye health screening – Detecting early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, or other conditions that could impair your vision.

Once you complete your exam, we will provide you with the necessary documentation to submit to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for your driver’s license renewal.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter for Safe Driving

Clear vision is essential for safe driving, and even small changes in eyesight can create serious risks on the road. Some of the most common include:

• Blurry vision- This can make it difficult to read road signs or recognize pedestrians in time to react
• Poor depth perception- This can cause difficulty judging distances when merging, passing, or parking
• Reduced peripheral vision- This may prevent drivers from spotting other vehicles or cyclists in their blind spots, increasing the risk of collisions
• Night vision issues- This may mean increased glare from headlights or difficulty seeing in low light, and can make nighttime driving especially hazardous.

Additionally, undiagnosed conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration can progressively impair vision, sometimes without obvious symptoms.

A regular eye exam not only ensures you meet Kentucky’s vision requirements for driving but also helps detect and address these issues before they become a danger. By keeping up with routine eye care, you can stay confident and safe behind the wheel—day or night, rain or shine.

Book Your Eye Exam Today at a Trusted Kentucky Eye Clinic

Don’t wait until the last minute to meet the new Kentucky vision requirements. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at one of our trusted eye care clinics today. Whether you need a simple vision screening for license renewal or a full eye health evaluation, our experienced optometrists are here to help.

We offer convenient appointment times, state-of-the-art eye testing, and personalized care to keep your vision clear and your driving privileges secure. Call us today or book online to get started!