Beginning October 1st, a vision test will be required for anyone in South Carolina hoping to renew their licenses.
Vision tests were already a part of renewing your driver’s license in the state at most DMVs. However, the requirement was removed when the REAL ID bill was passed in 2017.
While most DMVs did not stop administering a vision test, now it is required again. This requirement can be passed either by submitting results to the SCDMV electronically or by taking the test in person at a local DMV.
The requirement is being added in response to the addition of the REAL ID license in the state.
“Many existing drivers are already qualified to obtain REAL ID driver’s licenses online,” SCDMV Executive Director Kevin Shwedo said in an article on the SCDMV website. “Starting October 1, 2020, a driver will have to visit an SCDMV branch office or have an eye professional electronically submit vision test results. The same is true for people whose non-REAL ID driver’s licenses are due for renewal.”
If a driver fails to pass the vision exam, they will have to visit an eye care professional and have them electronically submit vision exam results upon passing. They can then renew their license.