Alberta's Drivers License Vision Requirements

In Alberta, every class of driver’s licence has specific vision standards to ensure road safety. These requirements outline the minimum visual acuity and field of vision needed for professional, standard, and learner drivers.

Professional Licences

Class 1: Professional (Any Vehicle)

  • Visual acuity is not less than 20/30 (6/9) with both eyes open and examined together. Worse eye not less than 20/100 (6/30).
  • Visual field is at least 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 20 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.

Class 2: Professional (Bus)

  • Visual acuity is not less than 20/30 (6/9) with both eyes open and examined together. Worse eye not less than 20/100 (6/30).
  • Visual field is at least 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 20 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.

Class 3: 3-Axle Plus

  • Visual acuity is not less than 20/30 (6/9) with both eyes open and examined together. Worse eye not less than 20/100 (6/30).
  • Visual field is at least 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 20 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.

Class 4: Emergency (Ambulance, Police)

  • Visual acuity is not less than 20/30 (6/9) with both eyes open and examined together. Worse eye not less than 20/100 (6/30).
  • Visual field is at least 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 20 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.

Class 4: Professional (Small Bus, Taxi)

  • Visual acuity is not less than 20/40 (6/12) with both eyes open and examined together. Worse eye not less than 20/200 (6/60).
  • Visual field is at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.

Class 5: Professional

  • Visual acuity is not less than 20/40 (6/12) with both eyes open and examined together. Worse eye not less than 20/200 (6/60).
  • Visual field is at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.

Standard Licences

Class 5: 2-Axle (Cars, Light Trucks, Motor Homes or Mopeds) Standard License

  • Visual acuity is not less than 20/50 (6/15) with both eyes open and examined together.
  • Visual Field is at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.

Class 6: Motorcycle & Moped

  • Visual acuity is not less than 20/50 (6/15) with both eyes open and examined together.
  • Visual field is at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.

Class 7: Learners (2-Axel, Motorcycle & Moped)

  • Visual acuity is not less than 20/50 (6/15) with both eyes open and examined together.
  • Visual field is at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.

Additional Requirements

Colour Deficiencies and Driving

  • Colour vision deficiencies do not usually affect driving.
  • Drivers must be able to demonstrate they can tell the difference between street light colours.

Central or Peripheral Scotomas

  • If detected, further testing will be ordered by your optometrist.
  • Referral to an ophthalmologist for additional assessment may be required.

Hemianopsia and Quadranopsia

  • Complete homonymous hemianopsia: not eligible for an Alberta driver’s licence.
  • Partial hemianopsia or quadranopsia: eligibility determined on a case-by-case basis with further testing.