Eyesight and Driving in India

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Safe driving depends on clear vision, a wide field of view and good vision in dim light. Indian licence rules require a self-declaration of fitness (Form 1) and, for some applicants and older drivers, a medical certificate (Form 1A) signed by a registered doctor. This leaflet explains what that means in practice; the transport office (RTO) rules always take precedence.

Who needs a medical certificate (Form 1A)?

• Applicants for a transport (commercial) vehicle licence
• In most states, applicants aged 40 and over, or renewing a licence after 40
• Anyone the licensing authority asks to provide one

What the eye examination checks

• Distance vision: Form 1 asks whether you can read a vehicle number plate at 25 metres in good daylight, with glasses or contact lenses if you use them. The certificate records whether glasses are needed for driving.
• Field of vision, and whether there is night blindness.
• Colour vision: since a June 2020 rule change (GSR 401(E)), people with mild or moderate colour vision deficiency can get a licence; only severe colour blindness is a bar.
• Squint or double vision.

Practical advice

• If you need glasses for distance, you must wear them whenever you drive.
• Cataract often causes glare from headlights at night before daytime vision drops. If night driving is difficult, get checked.
• Glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and retinitis pigmentosa can reduce the field of vision without you noticing; tell your doctor you drive.
• After eye surgery or dilating drops, do not drive until your doctor says vision is adequate.
• People with vision in only one eye should discuss driving with their doctor; extra care with side vision and parking is needed.

Doctors and students can read the detailed vision standards for driving and jobs in India.

Frequently asked questions

Related: Eye Test for Driving Licence, Railway and Defence Jobs in India, Cataract Surgery in Ahmedabad, Colour Vision Testing: Ishihara Scoring, Other Tests and Job Rules.

This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.