Backup cameras OK to use on behind-the-wheel DMV test: Roadshow

Q: I’m a senior citizen who will renew his driver’s license this year. In case I have to take a road test, does the DMV allow me to use the backup camera in my car? I really find it better to use it, such as when backing out of a 90-degree parking spot, especially when a van is parked next to me and limits visibility that direction.

Jim Mardock

A: The purpose of the behind-the-wheel drive test is to determine a person’s skill in operating a motor vehicle in most road situations and evaluate their abilities, not the vehicle’s technology. Vehicle safety technology, including backup cameras and blind-spot monitors, may be used on the drive test, but are not a replacement for an actual visual check of the vehicle’s mirrors and blind spots and cannot solely be used on a drive test.

Q: I had Lasik eye surgery in 1997 and have enjoyed seeing without contacts or glasses for years since then, until it was time to renew my license when I turned 70 a few years ago. I passed the vision test, but barely.

I had a procedure called monovision, which makes one eye see close up and one far away, but together the eyes see perfectly. The DMV test requires you to close one eye and then the other when you read the chart; it’s hard to read with my close-up eye.

My eye doctor said she can give me a form that states my eyes are fine, but I was told that then they require you to do a driving test.

Do you have information on the DMV eye tests? I lucked out with the pandemic and got a free pass, but my sister and I have our renewals coming up in 2024 and she had the same eye surgery.

Therese Konz, Antioch

A: The DMV minimum vision requirement is 20/40 with both eyes. This is the equivalent of 20/40 in one eye, and at least 20/70 in the worse eye.

Customers may provide a vision referral form (DL 62) from their vision specialist related to their monovision condition. If the DMV has the DL 62 record of the monovision condition and the customer meets the vision screening standard with the distance-vision eye, a driving test is not required.

If the customer does not meet the vision standard and the DMV has no record of the monovision condition, a DL 62 must be completed by the customer’s vision specialist and a vision drive test will be required to determine if the person can drive safely.

A vision specialist cannot overrule the DMV minimum vision requirements but may provide findings on a vision referral form.

Look for Gary Richards at facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.