Vision standards for category B drivers: what will be checked in and how to prepare

From March 1, 2026, updated medical requirements for the vision of category drivers are in effect in Russia. B, which tightened the check visual acuity and color perception. If you are planning to obtain or renew your license, the ophthalmologist will definitely check whether you can see 10th line of the Sivtsev table from 5 meters (this is the minimum threshold for driving a passenger car), are there any deviations in the perception of red/green colors and is the width of the field of view maintained at least 20° in each eye. In case of violations up to −8 dioptres You are allowed to drive only with glasses or lenses - this is noted on the medical certificate 003-V/u.

The main change in 2026 is the abolition of the “preferential” commission for drivers with astigmatism and squint: Now even with correction with glasses, an ophthalmologist’s opinion on the stability of the disease is required. If previously it was allowed to drive with a vision difference between the eyes of up to 3 diopters, now this gap should not exceed 2 dioptres. In this article we will look at exactly what tests await you during your medical examination, how to prepare for the test, and what to do if your vision does not meet the standards.

Official vision requirements for category B in 2026

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation approved new standards for drivers of passenger cars (order No. 344n dated June 15, 2023). Main criteria:

• 👁️ Visual acuity: not lower 0,6 on the best eye and 0,2 at worst (without correction) or 0,8/0,4 with glasses/lenses.
• 🎨 Color perception: absence of red/green blindness (checked using Rabkin’s tables).
• 🔍 Field of view: not anymore 20° in any direction (perimeter test).
• 👓 Correction: if you wear glasses/lenses, their optical power should not exceed ±8 dioptres (total for two eyes).

Important: from 2026 in the certificate 003-V/u must be indicated correction type (glasses or lenses) and their parameters. If you show up for a medical examination without glasses, and your vision without them is below normal, the ophthalmologist has the right refuse to issue an opinion even with a prescription.

How to test your eyesight at a medical examination: a step-by-step process

An examination by an ophthalmologist takes 10–15 minutes and includes 4 mandatory tests:

1. Visual acuity test according to the Sivtsev table (letters) or Golovin (rings). You will be asked to read the lines from a distance of 5 meters, closing each eye in turn. Standard for category B - 10th line (0.6) on the better eye.
2. Color vision test according to Rabkin's polychromatic tables. You need to name the numbers or shapes hidden in the colored circles. Errors in 3 or more tables are grounds for refusal.
3. Field of view examination on the perimeter. The doctor fixes the head of the device, and you press the button when you notice light appearing at different points. Minimum viewing angle - 20°.
4. Fundus examination using an ophthalmoscope. The condition of the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels is checked. Glaucoma, cataracts or dystrophy are detected.

If you wear glasses or contacts, their parameters are included in the certificate. From 2026, the ophthalmologist is required to indicate date of last vision test - if more than a year has passed, they may be sent for re-examination.

Table of vision standards for category B: what each line means

Visual acuity is measured in relative units - from 0,1 (first row of table) to 2,0 (additional lines for eagle vision). For category B the following minimum values apply:

Table row	Visual acuity	Distance (m)	Requirements for category B
10th	0,6	5	Minimum on the best eye
9th	0,7	5	Recommended level
8th	0,8	5	Optimal for driving
7th	0,9	5	Above average
6th	1,0	5	Perfect vision

If you see 10th line only with glasses, they will make a note on the certificate "A driver's license is allowed with the use of correction devices". Can you drive a car without glasses? prohibited - this is a traffic violation (fine 5–15 thousand rubles. according to Art. 12.7 Code of Administrative Offences).

What to do if you don't see the 10th line?

If you fail the test even with glasses, your optometrist may provide a referral for laser correction (for medical reasons). After surgery, vision is restored to 0.8–1.0 in 1–2 months. Important: a second medical examination is permitted no earlier than 30 days after the procedure.

Color blindness (color blindness): is it possible to get a license?

From 2026, category drivers B allowed to have mild forms of color blindness (deutranopia or protanopia), but only if they correctly recognize basic traffic lights (red, yellow, green). Complete color blindness (achromatopsia) or severe impairment remains absolute contraindication.

How to check:

• 🔴 Rabkin tables: 27 colored circles with hidden numbers or shapes. Errors in 1-2 tables are acceptable, but systematic failure to recognize red/green is a failure.
• 🚦 Traffic light test: The doctor shows the colors of the signals in random order. If you confuse red with green, you will not be given a license.
• 📊 Spectral analysis: in doubtful cases, use an anomaloscope (a device for accurately diagnosing the type of color blindness).

If you have been diagnosed with color blindness, but you are confident in your ability to distinguish between traffic lights, you can take additional testing at the traffic police. To do this, you will need a certificate from an ophthalmologist with the following conclusion: "Allowed to drive category B vehicles provided they correctly perceive traffic light signals".

What to do if your vision is not up to standard?

If the ophthalmologist reveals abnormalities, you have 3 options:

1. Choose a correction: glasses or contact lenses with the required diopters. It is important that the optical power does not exceed ±8 dioptres (total for two eyes). Lenses must be soft - hard ones are not allowed.
2. Get laser correction: operations LASIK or PRK restore vision to 1.0 in 1 procedure. Cost - from 30 thousand rubles. for both eyes. After the operation, you need a certificate from the surgeon for the traffic police.
3. Challenge the conclusion: if you do not agree with the results, you have the right to undergo an independent examination in another clinic. To do this, write an application addressed to the chief physician of the medical institution that issued the refusal.

Attention: if you have progressive myopia (deterioration of 1 or more diopters per year), rights will be given only if vision is stabilized. This will require observation by an ophthalmologist for 6 months.

The night before the test, get enough sleep - fatigue impairs visual acuity by 10-15% | Take glasses/lenses with you, even if you rarely wear them | Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before the test | If you wear lenses, put them on 30 minutes before the test | Bring old certificates from the ophthalmologist (if you have had surgery or treatment)-->

Common mistakes when passing a medical examination

According to statistics Rostrakhnadzor, 18% of drivers are rejected due to mistakes that could have been avoided:

• 👓 Came without glasses: even if you have a prescription, it is not enough - you need to demonstrate the correction on the spot.
• 📅 Expired certificate: the ophthalmologist's report is valid 1 year. If you were examined more than a year ago, you will have to repeat it.
• 🚫 Hidden chronic diseases: Glaucoma, cataracts or diabetes may cause refusal if not specified in advance.
• 🔄 Didn't take into account the difference between the eyes: If the gap is more than 2 diopters, an ophthalmologist's opinion on driving safety will be required.

Another common problem is incorrectly selected lenses. If they cause discomfort or dry eyes, it may interfere with test results. Start using moisturizing drops (eg. Systane Ultra).

Consequences of driving with impaired vision

Driving a car with vision below the established standards is equivalent to driving without a medical certificate. Sanctions:

• 🚔 Fine: 5–15 thousand rubles. according to Part 1 of Art. 12.7 of the Administrative Code (if the inspector reveals a discrepancy between the certificate and real vision).
• 🚗 Deprivation of rights: If the violation results in an accident, the court may revoke the driver's license.
• 🏥 Insurance denial: in case of an accident, the insurance company has the right to admit the driver’s fault deliberate and not pay compensation.

In addition to legal risks, poor vision increases the likelihood of accidents in 3.5 times (data from the Research Institute of Transport of the Ministry of Internal Affairs). The most dangerous situations:

• Late response to pedestrians at dusk (with visual acuity below 0.6).
• Confusion in traffic lights (in case of color vision impairment).
• Skipping road signs at high speed (with a narrowed field of view).

If your vision has deteriorated after receiving the rights, you are required to undergo a second medical examination and replace your driver's license. Concealing visual impairment is not only a fine, but also a risk to life.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about vision for category B drivers

Can I drive a car wearing lenses if my certificate says glasses?

No. In the medical report 003-V/u must be specified specific type of correction, which you used during verification. If you took the test wearing glasses, then you are only allowed to drive with them. To add lenses, you need to see your eye doctor again.

What to do if one eye sees poorly, but the other sees well?

If the difference between the eyes does not exceed 2 dioptres, and the sharpness of the best eye is no lower 0,6, the rights will be given. But if the gap is larger or the worse eye sees lower 0,2, an ophthalmologist’s opinion on the ability to drive the vehicle will be required.

Is it possible to get a license after eye surgery?

Yes, but not before 1 month after laser correction (LASIK, PRK) or 3 months after surgery (for example, for cataracts). You need a certificate from the surgeon about stabilization of vision and the absence of contraindications.

What eye diseases are an absolute contraindication?

Category B license will not be given if:

• Glaucoma (even at an early stage).
• History of retinal detachment.
• Diabetic retinopathy.
• Progressive cataract (if visual acuity is below 0.6 even after surgery).

Do I need to see an ophthalmologist when replacing my license after the expiration date?

Yes, medical certificate 003-V/u required when any renewing or replacing a driver's license, even if you have no vision complaints. The exception is a replacement due to a change of name or damage to the document.