Armonk Drivers React: DMV Eliminates Eye Exams for License Renewal

ARMONK, N.Y. – When locals like Perry Perlmutter, an everyday driver, heard the news that licensed drivers in New York State no longer have to retake eye exams to renew their driver’s licenses, he was deeply concerned.

“I just think it’s a bad idea,” Perlmutter said. “Vision is the main criteria for driving and you should always have to pass an eye test every five to 10 years.”

Drivers in New York do not have to retake eye exams when renewing their licenses because of a new Internet application announced by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The "MyDMV" application was said to help shorten waiting times and increase customer service throughout the state.

"These changes will make it easier for New Yorkers to use the Internet or mail to renew their driver license and conduct a number of other transactions," said Barbara J. Fiala, DMV commissioner.

With the new system, drivers can self-certify that they meet vision requirements the same way they do with other medical issues as of Wednesday. The self-certification of vision requirements only applies to drivers renewing a license every eight years and excludes commercial drivers, who will still undergo medical and vision tests twice a year.

Jackie McGinness, a spokesperson for the New York State DMV, said the regulation should have no negative impacts for drivers, citing a period from 1993 to 2000 when vision testing was not required in New York.

"Anyone who goes to the DMV knows the lines can get too long," McGinness said. "I think people will understand that this is a convenience for them."

Stephen Walling, a driving instructor and owner of Golden Crown’s Drivers School in Mt. Kisco, said he had been hearing rumors about a switch from traditional eye exams to self-certification but he hoped it would never go into effect.

“We get people all the time that come into the driving school who have poor vision and in some cases they can’t even read the letters on a stop sign,” Walling said. “You renew your license once every eight years and a lot can change in that time, so I’m shocked that you don’t have to take an eye test. That’s unbelievable.”

The "MyDMV" application also brings the services of changing addresses, receiving email reminders when vehicle registration and inspections are about to expire, downloading and printing driving records and allowing parents to monitor their teens' driving behaviors.

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