Acuity standard in Arizona
The Arizona AZ MVD requires a corrected or uncorrected visual acuity of at least 20/40 in at least one eye to issue an unrestricted license. Acuity is measured with a Snellen chart at the counter; you read lines until you miss too many letters. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — your prescription is what determines whether you pass.
Peripheral vision and color vision
Arizona also screens for peripheral vision (your ability to see motion to the side without turning your head) and color vision (your ability to distinguish red, yellow and green traffic signals). A failure in either typically results in a restricted license rather than a full denial — for example, a daylight-only restriction or a no-freeway restriction.
For a deeper read on this topic across all 50 states, see our right-of-way, speed limits, and alcohol and drugs articles.
What if you fail the screen
If you fail the counter vision screen, the AZ MVD will ask you to obtain a Vision Specialist Report from an eye doctor and bring the completed form back. The report covers acuity, peripheral field, and ocular health. With a satisfactory report and an updated prescription, the AZ MVD typically issues the license with a "corrective lenses" restriction printed on the back.
Age-based re-testing
In many Arizona counties, drivers age 70 and older must complete the vision screen in person at every renewal — even when other drivers can renew online or by mail. The same standard (20/40 acuity in at least one eye, corrected or uncorrected) applies, but the in-person requirement catches age-related vision changes that the driver may not have noticed.
Tips for the day of the test
Bring the glasses or contacts you actually drive with — not last year's pair. If you have any chance of failing the screen, schedule an eye-doctor visit before your AZ MVD appointment so you can bring an up-to-date prescription. Avoid testing late in the afternoon if your eyes fatigue easily; first appointment of the day usually produces the best result.
Quick facts about Arizona
- Capital: Phoenix
- Minimum permit age: 15 years 6 months
- Current permit fee: $7
- Supervised hold period: 6 months
- Adult BAC limit: 0.08% · Under-21 BAC: 0.02%
- Default speed limits: 75 mph rural Interstate, 65 mph urban Interstate, 25 mph residential, 15 mph school zone
- Handheld phone use: banned
- Vision standard: 20/40 acuity in at least one eye, corrected or uncorrected
- Reinstatement fee after suspension: $55
- Official source: AZ MVD
Other Arizona guides on PermitPrep
Each link below opens a dedicated Arizona page. Every guide is built from the same official AZ MVD handbook so the rules stay consistent across topics.
- Arizona Permit Practice Test — Practice test for Arizona drivers.
- Arizona Driving Permit Guide — Permit guide for Arizona drivers.
- Arizona Road Signs Test — Signs test for Arizona drivers.
- Arizona Traffic Laws Summary — Traffic laws for Arizona drivers.
- Arizona Right-of-Way Rules — Right of way for Arizona drivers.
- Arizona Speed Limits Explained — Speed limits for Arizona drivers.
- Arizona DUI Laws — DUI laws for Arizona drivers.
- Arizona Cell Phone Laws — Cell phone laws for Arizona drivers.
Ready to test what you have learned? Take the free Arizona permit practice test — 20 randomized questions, instant grading, full explanations.