Should You Need an Eye Exam to Keep Your Driver's Licence?

Let's be honest: driving is a privilege that most of us take for granted. But what if I told you that every single week, I see patients who legally shouldn't be behind the wheel—at least not without corrective lenses?

Some of them genuinely don't know their vision has slipped below the legal limit. Others? They know… and choose not to wear their glasses. Whether it's out of vanity, denial, or sheer forgetfulness, the result is the same: people are driving without seeing well enough to do it safely. And that should concern all of us.

A Broken System

Here in Alberta, and across much of Canada, the only people truly required to meet regular vision standards are commercial drivers—your Class 1 and professional licence holders. But what about everyone else? The vast majority of drivers only go through vision screening once: when they first get their licence.

After that? It's radio silence for decades.

Now, you might be thinking: Well, don't they do vision tests at the registry office? Sort of. But let me tell you something that might make you uncomfortable:

Those machines? They're outdated at best.

I've seen people pass who clearly shouldn't be driving, and others—who have no real vision issues—fail because the test itself was confusing or poorly explained. It's far from reliable, and it doesn't come close to the thoroughness of a full eye exam with your optometrist.

Even quick vision screenings done at your family doctor's office, while helpful in general health checkups, aren't designed to detect the full scope of issues that can impact your driving. Family physicians are doing their best with limited time and tools—but comprehensive vision testing is simply outside their lane. That's where optometrists step in. We have the equipment, the training, and the time to make sure your eyes—and your driving—are where they need to be.

A Simple Solution: Make Eye Exams Part of Licence Renewal

Here's my take: every person with a driver's licence should be required to have a full eye exam by an optometrist every five years. It's the only way to ensure that people are seeing well enough to drive safely—not just to protect themselves, but to protect everyone else on the road.

We're not talking about anything extreme here. A routine comprehensive exam takes less than an hour. It's painless, affordable, and often covered by insurance. And if a driver needs glasses to meet the legal standard? We prescribe them. End of story.

Most of the time, people walk out of our clinic seeing better, feeling better, and far more confident behind the wheel.

I Don't Want to Be the Vision Police

Yes, optometrists can report patients to the registry if their vision doesn't meet the legal limit and they refuse to wear corrective lenses. But let me be clear: that's not what we want to do.

We'd rather just have a system in place where people know their responsibilities—and take care of them before someone gets hurt.

This isn't about punishment. It's about prevention.

What If We Got the Insurance Companies Involved?

Here’s a thought: what if insurance companies actually rewarded people for staying on top of their vision health?

We already see premium reductions for defensive driving courses, clean records, and winter tire usage in some provinces—so why not add clear vision to that list?

Imagine a system where, every five years, you submit proof of a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist—just like you would for a driving course. In return, your insurer offers a small discount on your premium or a bonus toward eyewear coverage. It's a simple idea with potentially huge benefits.

Here’s the kicker: insurance companies would benefit, too. Fewer accidents caused by undiagnosed or uncorrected vision problems means fewer claims, lower costs, and safer roads for everyone. It’s prevention over reaction—something that both healthcare and insurance industries talk about all the time but rarely act on together.

Plus, it would raise awareness. People would be more likely to book their eye exams if there was a financial incentive tied to something they already value: keeping their insurance costs down.

In the end, it’s not about making driving harder—it’s about making it safer. And when you consider how many accidents are caused by delayed reaction time, missed signs, or poor depth perception, it’s not hard to see how something as simple as an eye exam could save lives.

It's Time to Re-Evaluate the Standards

Our current vision screening system for drivers is outdated and ineffective. If we care about road safety—and I think we all do—then it's time to raise the bar. Clear vision isn't optional when you're operating a vehicle at highway speeds. It's a necessity.

So here's my ask: let's make it standard. Let's build it into the renewal process. Let's treat vision the same way we treat brakes, tires, and seatbelts: as a basic part of road safety. For about the same price as one tank of gas, we can ensure every driver has a clear, safe vision on the road.

Because driving blind—figuratively or literally—should never be acceptable.

Need to update your vision for driving? Book a comprehensive eye exam. Let's make sure you're not just legal—but safe. For you, your family, and everyone else on the road.

Let's start the conversation: What do you think—should a complete eye exam be required every 5 years to keep your driver’s licence? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website, including blog posts authored by Dr. Ross McKenzie, is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a licensed optometrist or healthcare provider. No doctor-patient relationship is established through the use of this website or its content. The information shared is not intended to endorse or recommend any specific medical treatments or guarantee outcomes. Users are encouraged to consult their own healthcare providers regarding any health concerns. The team at drrossmckenzie.ca does not assume liability for any decisions made based on the information provided. Use of this website is at your own risk.

Hey there, I’m
Dr. Ross McKenzie

I’m an Edmonton-based optometrist who believes clear vision is about more than just eyesight — it’s about seeing your life, your work, and your health with clarity.

I love smart tech, sharp lenses, and helping people show up fully in every part of their day — whether that’s behind a desk, behind the wheel, or on a ski hill.

My Mission? To bring real, honest eye care to real people — with a side of science, strategy, and style.