Who created the DMV vision test?

The Snellen eye chart, used by the DMV, was created by the Dutch ophthalmologist Herman Snellen in 1862. The DMV vision test also consists of other factors, such as peripheral vision, night vision, glare resistance and judgment of distance.

As of September 2015, the DMV uses the Snellen chart as the default vision test for potential drivers. The DMV uses the Snellen chart to determine if applicants possess adequate visual acuity for safe driving. Applicants must achieve no worse than a 20/40 score in the Snellen chart test. A young individual with healthy eyesight can read Snellen chart letters from 40 feet, while an individual with 20/40 vision can only read the same letters from 20 feet.