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For millions of Americans, driving a car isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Still, some drivers develop sight issues like monocular vision within the course of their lives, which could spell driving disaster. So, can you drive with one eye? Or do commuters who lose an eye lose their licenses? 

Can you drive if you are 100% visually impaired in one eye?

A driver covers one eye in an exam to determine if they can drive with one eye.
A driver takes a test at the DMV | Irfan Khan, Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Visual impairment in one eye, or monocular vision, means that a person uses just one eye for sight. However, while relying on one eye could be a compromise, it doesn’t keep people from driving. In fact, you can legally drive in all 50 states with just one functional eye. 

However, drivers with monocular vision still have to meet the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations for eyesight. For instance, the California DMV reports that drivers must have 20/40 eyesight to qualify for a license in California without visiting a vision specialist. Still, in other states, standards are closer to 20/60 with or without corrective lenses. As a result, you can drive with one eye as long as your vision meets or exceeds the standards. 

Does monocular vision affect driving?

A woman gets an eye examination to assess monocular vision.
A person gets an eye exam | Isa Foltin, Getty Images

While you can legally drive with monocular vision, the ailment could compromise driving safety. For instance, a driver with one eye could face a few problematic complications.

  • Difficulty judging distances
  • Compromised depth perception
  • Less field of view
  • Difficulty minding moving vehicles and objects

Depth perception is best exercised with two eyes working together. When a person relies on just a single eye to drive, judging distances and the positions of obstacles is more complicated. As a result, visually impaired drivers could have issues accurately judging the distance of other vehicles. Furthermore, parking in tight spaces is more difficult for drivers with monocular vision. 

However, monocular vision isn’t enough to keep drivers from licensing. Moreover, Healthline says that, with training, visually impaired people can be effective drivers. For instance, people with monocular vision can train their one eye to perform the duties of both. Furthermore, side-to-side head movement can fill a driver’s field of view.  

What kind of ailment will disqualify you from driving?

While having one functional eye won’t keep you from driving, a litany of other issues could keep you from a license. 

  • Sub-standard vision
  • Some seizure or altered consciousness disorders
  • Loss of mobility

Keep up with MotorBiscuit for the latest car safety content!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).