Applying for a driver’s license in the Philippines requires more than just passing the written and practical driving exams. Before you can officially get behind the wheel, you must undergo a medical assessment—which also includes an LTO eye test, a mandatory vision screening required for all driver’s license applicants to ensure they meet the minimum eyesight standards for safe driving. It is rooted in the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136), reinforced by Department of Transportation (DOTr) regulations, and supported by the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO). The test is conducted only by licensed physicians and accredited clinics and includes visual acuity and field-of-vision tests as part of the official medical certificate.
Since driving depends largely on vision, the LTO eye test is supposed to safeguard both drivers and the public by preventing vision-impaired individuals from operating vehicles, thereby improving road safety, strengthening the integrity of the licensing process, and aligning with the government’s goal of reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities. If you are getting your license soon, then this guide explains everything you need to know about the LTO eye test requirements for driver’s license, how it works, where to take it, and what restrictions may apply according to your eye condition.
Why Vision Matters for Driving
Driving is a task that relies on your eyes about 90% of the time. From spotting road signs and traffic lights to noticing pedestrians and oncoming vehicles, your vision determines how safely you react while on the road.
The PAO has recognized the importance of visual standards for drivers. Even if there isn’t a perfect formula linking vision problems directly to accidents, international research shows that visual acuity, peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity, and depth perception all affect safe driving. Because of this, the LTO requires every driver’s license applicant to undergo an eyesight test before approval.
LTO Recommended Screening Standards
To qualify for a driver’s license, the following minimum vision standards must be met:
- Visual Acuity: Binocular vision (both eyes open) of at least 20/40 Snellen with or without corrective lenses.
- Visual Field: At least 120° horizontally and 20° vertically with no major blind spots.
If results are worse than these standards, applicants may face restrictions or denial of a license.
Actual Vision Functions Checked for Driving
The PAO outlines several aspects of vision that are linked to safe driving. During the LTO screening, some of these functions are tested directly, while others may be evaluated if problems are suspected.
- Visual Acuity: How well you see details at a distance (letters/numbers on a chart).
- Peripheral Vision: Ability to notice movement or objects outside your central vision (helps avoid curbs, pedestrians, and cars from the side).
- Glare & Contrast Sensitivity: Ability to drive at night, in fog, or when headlights cause glare.
- Color Vision: Helps recognize traffic lights and signal indicators.
- Accommodation: Ability to adjust focus from near to far objects.
- Depth Perception: Ability to judge distance accurately, important for lane changes and overtaking.
Vision Standards and Restrictions
Here’s how different vision results affect licensing:
- 20/40 or better: Full driving privileges
- 20/50: May qualify with corrective glasses/lenses
- 20/60–20/70: Daylight driving only
- Worse than 20/70: Not eligible for licensing
- With eye diseases (e.g., cataracts): Night driving not allowed
- Peripheral vision less than 110°: Subject to additional conditions
- Peripheral vision less than 90°: Not eligible for licensing
Driver’s License Restrictions Based on Vision
If your eyesight test shows certain limitations, you may still qualify for a license, but with restrictions. Here are the common outcomes:
- 20/50 vision: Qualified to drive with corrective glasses or contact lenses
- 20/60 vision: Qualified for daytime driving only
- Cataracts: Not allowed to drive at night
- One weak eye, one strong eye: May fail LTO test but can be referred to an optometrist for further evaluation
Driver’s License Condition Codes
Restrictions are also assigned by LTO as condition codes based on a driver’s medical and vision status to ensure safety on the road. For vision-related conditions, you can see these condition codes that indicate whether a driver is required to use corrective lenses or has specific limitations when driving.
- Condition Code A: Must wear corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contact lenses) when driving.
- Condition Code B: Must drive only during daylight (for drivers with difficulty seeing at night, such as night blindness or reduced night vision).
- Condition Code C: Must drive only within a specified radius or area (applies to drivers with certain medical or vision limitations).
These restrictions are printed on the driver’s license and must always be complied with. They serve as safeguards to ensure that drivers with visual impairments or limitations operate vehicles under conditions that minimize risks to themselves and others. Ignoring these restrictions is a traffic violation and may result in fines or penalties for the erring drivers.
How the LTO Eye Test is Conducted
The eye test usually comes right after the mandatory drug test. It’s a straightforward process, often completed within minutes. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll be asked to read a Snellen chart (the classic eye chart with letters of different sizes).
- Testing checks how far and clearly you can see with each eye.
- You may be asked to repeat the test with and without corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses).
- If you normally wear glasses for driving, you should use them during the test so the result reflects your actual driving condition.
Important: If the findings show abnormalities or poor vision, the LTO may assign driving restrictions that will be printed on your driver’s license.
Evaluation Protocol
Here’s how the general flow of vision evaluation happens according to PAO and LTO guidelines:
Step 1. Initial vision screening is conducted at the LTO medical clinic.
Step 2. If results show worse than 20/40 vision, you’ll be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Step 3. The specialist may recommend corrective lenses, further testing, or restrictions.
Step 4. Applicants whose corrected vision remains worse than 20/70 Snellen may undergo advanced testing (contrast, glare, depth perception, diplopia).
Step 5. Based on results, LTO may add license restrictions or deny the application.
Where to Get the LTO Eye Test
Applicants don’t need to go far to take the required vision exam. The process is integrated into the medical exam conducted at LTO offices through accredited clinics.
- Each LTO office has partner medical clinics that provide vision screening.
- Only results from these accredited clinics are recognized by LTO.
- If you fail the initial screening, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
Tip: Always confirm that the clinic is LTO-accredited before proceeding with your test, as results from non-accredited facilities will not be accepted.
Why Accredited Clinics Are Important
The LTO only accepts medical certificates and eye test results from accredited clinics. These facilities follow PAO-recommended procedures, ensuring fairness and consistency in testing.
Accredited clinics also provide proper referrals to ophthalmologists if deeper evaluation is required. By going through official channels, applicants avoid delays or invalid test results.
Tips to Prepare for Your LTO Eye Test
To help you prepare for the eye test, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Rest your eyes before your scheduled test.
- Wear your prescription glasses or contact lenses if you use them for driving.
- Avoid wearing tinted glasses that may affect results.
- If you suspect eye issues (blurred vision, frequent headaches), consult an optometrist before applying.
- Follow any restrictions issued on your license for your safety and that of others.
Video: Home Eye Test and Actual LTO Eye Test Requirements
The LTO eye test requirements for driver’s license are in place to promote road safety. While it might feel like just another step in the application process, it determines whether you can see well enough to handle real-life driving conditions responsibly. For better understanding of the eyesight requirements for your DL application, you may check out this video:
If you are feeling nervous about your eye test, watch this video and learn from the experts how you can ace it:
You may also try this home eye test to help you feel more confident:
For more information, visit the official Land Transportation Office (LTO) website or inquire directly at the accredited medical clinic of your chosen LTO branch.