Driving Licence Eye TestProcedure, Costs & Validity

Q: Can I prepare for the eye test on my phone?

Yes, all articles and guides on this page are fully optimised for mobile devices (phone and tablet). You can read them conveniently in your smartphone browser and prepare for the eye test.

The driving licence eye test is mandatory for almost all driving licence applications – and with the right preparation it is done quickly. Here you will learn how the official eye test works, what it costs, how long the certificate is valid and what to watch for at the optician. All information is based on the official DIN 58220 standard.

100% FreeNo RegistrationDIN 58220 Standard

2-3

Minutes

Guides

0.7

Minimum Visus

Important Note

Note: The articles on this page are not a medical replacement for the official test at the optician or ophthalmologist. They serve only for information and preparation for the official eye test. For the driving licence application, you need an official certificate from an authorised optician or ophthalmologist.

The driving licence eye test is one of the first steps on the way to the driving licence – and it is easier than many think. In our articles and guides you will learn step by step how the official eye test works, which visual acuity you need, what the test costs and how best to prepare. Start with our guides on the procedure, the costs and the validity of the certificate – or browse all guides.

DIN 58220 Standard

The official eye test uses Landolt rings according to the German standard for visual acuity testing: rings with an opening whose direction you must recognise and state. The rings get smaller and smaller to test different levels of visual acuity.

Quick & Easy

The official eye test takes only 2-3 minutes. An appointment at the optician is usually not needed – just drop in and bring your ID card and your glasses, if you wear them.

For Preparation

The ideal preparation for the official eye test: read our articles before you go to the optician – then you know exactly what to expect.

Driving Licence Eye Test: Everything Important at a Glance

Would you like to prepare for your eye test? Our articles and guides about the driving licence eye test (Classes B, A, AM, L, T and more) are free to read at any time and require no registration.

Why Practise First?

Many people are nervous at the optician. That can distort the result. Our articles show you exactly what the Landolt rings (according to DIN 58220) look like and how to recognise the openings.

Familiarity with Landolt rings
Self-assessment of your visual acuity
No surprises at the optician

Minimum Requirements

For the car driving licence, you must achieve a visual acuity (visus) of at least 0.7 (70%). This applies to each eye individually or with both eyes together.

If you do not reach this value, that is no problem: you simply receive the note “visual aid required” in your driving licence and wear glasses or contact lenses while driving.

Note: Our articles are not a replacement for the official test at an authorised optician.

Take the Official Eye Test

Ready for the real test? Visit one of these opticians near you:

Fielmann Apollo Mister Spex KIND

Frequently Asked Questions about the Driving Licence Eye Test

What is a driving licence eye test?

The driving licence eye test is a legally required examination of visual acuity that you must pass before obtaining a driving licence. The test is carried out by authorised opticians or ophthalmologists and checks whether your vision meets the minimum requirements for driving a vehicle safely.

How does the official eye test work?

In the official eye test, Landolt rings (rings with an opening) are used. You must recognise and state the direction of the opening. The rings get smaller and smaller to test different levels of visual acuity. Only the official eye test at the optician or ophthalmologist counts for the driving licence.

Does this page replace the official eye test?

No. Our articles are not a replacement for the official eye test and the certificate. They serve only for information and preparation. For the driving licence, you need an official certificate from an authorised optician or ophthalmologist.

What are the minimum requirements for the driving licence eye test?

For the car driving licence (Class B), you must achieve a visual acuity (visus) of at least 0.7 (70 percent) in each eye or with both eyes together. If you do not reach this value, you can still obtain the driving licence, but with the note visual aid required, provided you meet the minimum requirement with glasses or contact lenses.

How long is the driving licence eye test valid?

The eye test for the driving licence is valid for 2 years. If you submit your driving licence application within this time, you can use the certificate. After the 2 years have passed, you must take a new eye test.

How much does a driving licence eye test cost?

6.43 euros is often quoted as a guideline price, but the actual provider price can differ. Ask in advance about the price and the official certificate; a free glasses eye test is not automatically valid for the driving licence application.

What are Landolt rings?

Landolt rings are visual acuity symbols named after the French ophthalmologist Edmund Landolt. They are rings with an opening (similar to the letter C), and the position of the opening must be recognised. They are used internationally according to DIN 58220 for eye tests and are the standard for the German driving licence eye test.

Where can I take the official eye test?

You can take the official driving licence eye test at any authorised optician or ophthalmologist in Germany. Large optician chains such as Fielmann, Apollo or Mister Spex offer the service. As a rule, you can drop in without an appointment; at some opticians, online appointment booking is also possible.

Can I prepare for the eye test on my phone?

Yes, our online eye test is fully optimised for mobile devices (phone and tablet). You can take the test conveniently in your smartphone browser to get a first estimate of your visual acuity.

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