South Carolina to Require Vision Tests to Renew Driver’s Licenses

Article

South Carolina residents looking to renew their driver’s license will face changes in the requirements beginning in October.

In a news release last week, the Department of Motor Vehicles said drivers will be required to take an eye exam before their license renewals are approved.

Starting on Oct. 1, drivers must provide vision test results to renew any type of license, department officials said.

There are two ways residents are allowed to prove their vision is good enough to maintain their license. One is to have their eyes checked in person at any of the DMV branches across South Carolina. As an alternative, the in-person screening can be waived if a South Carolina-licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist submits a driver’s vision examination results to the department electronically. The results must be dated within the past 12 months, The State reported.

After passing the vision exam, the driver will be able to renew their license online, or return to a DMV branch office, according to the release.

Vision tests for first-time licenses and commercial driver’s licenses continue to be required.