Driver's License and Visual Function (Standards for Ordinary, Large, and Special Licenses)

Key Points of This Condition

• Vision standards for driver’s licenses vary by license type ¹⁾²⁾.
• For ordinary licenses, the basic requirement is binocular visual acuity of 0.7 or better and at least 0.3 in each eye ¹⁾²⁾.
• If one eye is blind or has visual acuity less than 0.3, the other eye may qualify if it has a visual field of at least 150 degrees horizontally and visual acuity of 0.7 or better ¹⁾²⁾.
• For large, medium, semi-medium, trailer, and Class 2 licenses, binocular visual acuity of 0.8 or better and at least 0.5 in each eye are required, along with depth perception ¹⁾²⁾.
• Depth perception is measured three times using the three-rod test, and the average error must be 2 cm or less ¹⁾²⁾.
• In addition to vision standards, the ability to distinguish traffic signal colors (red, blue, yellow) is required for all license types.
• For patients with visual field or visual acuity impairments, ophthalmologists have a role in explaining driving suitability.

1. Driver’s License and Visual Function

In the aptitude test for a driver’s license, visual function is one of the most basic assessment items. Such aptitude tests are based on road traffic laws ³⁾. The standards are not uniform; they differ for mopeds/small special vehicles, ordinary licenses, and large/Class 2 licenses ¹⁾²⁾. Therefore, it is important to understand the values corresponding to your own license type.

In addition to visual acuity, the visual field conditions for monocular vision, depth perception required for large vehicles, and color vision (signal discrimination) common to all license types are important items in the system ¹⁾²⁾.

Regarding color vision, regardless of whether it is a Class 1 or Class 2 license, the ability to distinguish the three colors of traffic lights (red, blue, and yellow) is required. If you have congenital color vision deficiency, it is advisable to check the color vision test at the license center in advance.

Q Do ordinary licenses and large licenses have the same vision standards?

A

They are not the same. For ordinary licenses, the basic requirement is binocular vision of 0.7 or better and each eye 0.3 or better, but for large licenses, binocular vision of 0.8 or better and each eye 0.5 or better is required, along with depth perception ¹⁾²⁾.

2. Main license types and passing standards

It is easy to understand the vision standards by dividing them into the following three groups.

Moped, etc.

Target: Moped license, small special license.

Standard: Binocular vision of 0.5 or better.

Monocular vision: Even if one eye is blind, if the other eye has a visual field of 150 degrees or more horizontally and visual acuity of 0.5 or better, it is eligible ¹⁾²⁾.

Ordinary, etc.

Target: Ordinary license, ordinary provisional license, ordinary motorcycle, large special, 8-ton limited中型, 5-ton limited quasi-medium, etc.

Standard: Binocular vision of 0.7 or better, and each eye 0.3 or better.

Exception: If one eye is less than 0.3 or blind, the other eye must have a visual field of 150 degrees or more horizontally and visual acuity of 0.7 or better ¹⁾²⁾.

Large, etc.

Target: Large, medium, quasi-medium, trailer, Class 2, large provisional license, etc.

Standard: Binocular visual acuity of 0.8 or better, and each eye 0.5 or better.

Additional requirement: Must pass the depth perception test¹⁾²⁾.

The following table is a quick reference commonly used in practice.

License class	Binocular standard	Additional condition
Moped / Small special	0.5 or better	150° when one-eyed
Ordinary etc.	0.7 or better	Each eye 0.3 or better
Large etc.	0.8 or better	Each eye 0.5 / Depth perception

Points to confirm with monocular vision

Even if vision in one eye is low, renewal may not be immediately impossible. What matters is whether the other eye meets the visual acuity and visual field requirements¹⁾²⁾.

Q Can I renew a regular driver's license even if I can barely see in one eye?

A

It may be possible. For regular licenses, if the other eye has a visual field of at least 150 degrees horizontally and visual acuity of 0.7 or higher, it is indicated that you may qualify¹⁾²⁾.

3. What to check if you are unsure about the standards

Consider visiting an ophthalmologist before renewal in the following situations:

• Vision fluctuates: Your eyesight varies greatly from day to day.
• Vision in one eye has worsened: The other eye is bearing an increased burden.
• You have visual field defects: Conditions such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or neurological diseases cause peripheral vision loss.
• You have color vision deficiency: If you have difficulty distinguishing traffic signals (red, blue, yellow), consult the license center in advance.
• You experience double vision or severe glare: This increases driving risk beyond what a vision chart shows.
• You plan to renew a large vehicle license: Preparation for depth perception testing is necessary¹⁾²⁾.

Check early, not just before renewal

Failing the test just before renewal can affect work and medical visits. Those with borderline vision should have their current status checked by an ophthalmologist before taking the test at the license center.

4. Required tests and points to note

Ophthalmological evaluations related to driver’s licenses mainly include the following.

• Visual acuity test: Core for all categories (moped, ordinary, large). Measured with corrected vision (wearing glasses or contact lenses).
• Visual field assessment: Important for monocular vision or low vision in one eye. For ordinary licenses, a horizontal field of 150 degrees or more is a threshold ¹⁾²⁾.
• Depth perception test: Required for large, medium, semi-medium, trailer, and special vehicle licenses ¹⁾²⁾.
• Color vision test: Confirms ability to distinguish traffic signals (red, blue, yellow). If congenital color vision deficiency exists, prior confirmation is necessary.

Test	Mainly required for	What is assessed
Visual acuity	All license categories	Binocular and monocular visual acuity
Visual field	Monocular vision, etc.	150 degrees horizontally
Depth perception	Large vehicles, etc.	Average error 2 cm
Color vision	All license groups	Red, blue, yellow identification

Q What is the depth perception test?

A

This test measures how accurately you can perceive depth. For large vehicles, the three-rod test is performed three times at a distance of 2.5 meters, and an average error of 2 cm or less is required¹⁾²⁾.

5. Procedure for obtaining and renewing a license

If you are concerned about your vision, it is easier to organize your thoughts by following the steps below.

Step	Content	Main consultation destination
1	Check current condition at an ophthalmologist	Ophthalmology
2	Confirm license type	Your own license
3	Pre-renewal consultation	Driver’s license center
4	Aptitude test	Police

The actual assessment is conducted at the driver’s license center or police aptitude test. Meanwhile, ophthalmology helps evaluate the underlying disease, review correction, and understand visual field defects.

If there is a sudden decline in visual function

If you experience sudden vision loss, visual field defects, or double vision, prioritize an ophthalmology visit regardless of whether a renewal is scheduled. Evaluation of the underlying disease comes first.

6. Details of depth perception test

Depth perception is not merely an extension of visual acuity. It is a test that assesses how accurately you can judge depth using information from both eyes.

• Target licenses: Large, medium, semi-medium, trailer, second-class, large provisional licenses, etc.¹⁾²⁾
• Method: Using a three-rod depth perception tester¹⁾
• Measurement conditions: Measured three times at a distance of 2.5 meters¹⁾²⁾
• Passing criteria: Average error of 2 cm or less¹⁾²⁾

Stereoscopic vision tests: Some people have difficulty with depth perception even if their visual acuity is sufficient. If you plan to take a large vehicle driving test, it is advisable to learn about the system early.

7. Role of the Ophthalmologist and Voluntary Surrender

Role of the Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists have a role in explaining driving suitability to patients with visual field or visual acuity impairments. For patients with visual field narrowing (glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, cranial nerve diseases) or reduced corrected visual acuity, it is desirable to actively provide information on whether they can continue to hold a license.

If visual field impairment is progressing due to glaucoma or other conditions, regular visual field tests should be performed to determine whether driving can continue. If the visual field defect exceeds a certain level, it may be advisable to recommend voluntary surrender of the driver’s license.

Voluntary Surrender System

Voluntary surrender of a driver’s license is a system in which the license is returned upon the individual’s own application. It is an option when there are concerns about declining visual function or cognitive function due to aging or disease. After surrender, it is important to transition to public transportation or transport services.

Driving Continuation and Visual Field Impairment

Even with visual field impairment, license continuation is not immediately prohibited. It is important to regularly evaluate the extent, location, and progression rate of the visual field defect and make decisions while sharing information with the patient.

Q If diagnosed with glaucoma, must I stop driving?

A

It is not necessary to stop driving immediately after diagnosis. It depends on the extent and progression rate of the visual field impairment. Evaluate the course with regular visual field tests, and if the visual field defect becomes extensive, consult with your primary care physician to determine whether to continue driving.

8. Points to Note in System Operation

According to the guidance from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and Kanagawa Prefectural Police, the main figures are consistent ¹⁾²⁾. However, the details of procedural guidance, consultation desks, and explanations of provisional licenses and second-class licenses differ in presentation by each prefectural police department.

Final Confirmation Request

The figures shown here are organized based on the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department guidance dated October 30, 2025, and the Kanagawa Prefectural Police guidance dated April 1, 2026 ¹⁾²⁾. Before actually taking the test or renewing your license, please check the latest information at the police or license center in the area where you plan to take the test.

Q Is it worth going to an ophthalmologist even if my vision is borderline?

A

Yes. The approach differs depending on whether the actual reason for failure is refractive error, cataract, corneal disease, or visual field defect. Organizing the causes before renewal makes it easier to plan ahead.

9. References

1. 警視庁. 適性試験の合格基準 [Internet]. Updated 2025 Oct 30. Available from: https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/menkyo/menkyo/annai/other/tekisei03.html

2. 神奈川県警察. 受験資格・適性試験合格基準（視力） [Internet]. Updated 2026 Apr 1. Available from: https://www.police.pref.kanagawa.jp/tetsuzuki/menkyo/mes83034.html

3. 道路交通法 [Internet]. Available from: https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/data/Act/335AC0000000105/618606_1/335AC0000000105_20240621_506AC0000000059_v4.pdf