Meeting the vision requirements for an Alberta driver's licence is crucial to road safety. Drivers need to see clearly and have excellent peripheral vision to detect hazards to prevent accidents. Here are the Alberta driver licence eyesight standards you must meet and how an optometrist can help you obtain your licence with an eye exam.
Alberta Driver Licence Vision Requirements
To obtain an Alberta driver's licence, you must take a basic vision test at an authorized registry agent’s office. Vision standards differ depending on the class of licence. If you don’t pass this initial test, the registry agent will refer you to an optometrist for an eye exam.
Your Eye Exam with An Optometrist
During an eye exam, a licensed optometrist will assess various aspects of your vision, such as visual acuity, depth perception and peripheral vision. Examination results play a crucial role in determining your eligibility for a driver's licence.
Visual acuity. Visual acuity refers to the sharpness and clarity of vision. In Alberta, the minimum visual acuity required for a standard Class 7 learner’s driver's licence — and subsequent Class 5 licence — is 20/50 in at least one eye. If you don’t meet this standard, you’ll likely need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses while driving. Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 licenses have more strict vision requirements.
Peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is the ability to see objects and movements outside the direct line of sight. Alberta driver licence vision requirements state the minimum requirement for horizontal peripheral vision is 120 degrees. This ensures that you’re aware of your surroundings and can react to potential hazards. For Class 1, 2, and 3 driver’s license you must have at least 150 degrees of peripheral vision.
Additional vision requirements. An eye exam may reveal other issues, such as colour blindness. This condition doesn’t prevent you from obtaining a licence if you can differentiate between stoplight signals. However, vision loss conditions like hemianopsia and quadranopsia may make you ineligible to hold an Alberta driver’s licence. You may also be ineligible if you have persistent or uncorrectable double vision.
If you or your child are planning to obtain an Alberta driver's licence, schedule an eye exam with a licensed optometrist before the application process to identify issues. Remember, regular eye exams are important for meeting Alberta driver licence eyesight standards and, equally important, for overall eye health.
Book An Eye Exam in Edmonton
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., a licensed optometrist can conduct an eye exam to ensure you have the acuity and peripheral vision to operate a vehicle safely. If you need corrective lenses, we carry an unparalleled selection of fashionable eyeglasses and contact lenses. To book an eye exam, contact us today at our locations in Edmonton, Westlock and Leduc.