Vision tests required to renew driver's licenses

COLUMBIA (AP) - South Carolina residents looking to renew their driver's license will face changes in the requirements beginning in October.

Starting on Oct. 1, drivers must provide vision test results to renew any type of license, Department of Motor Vehicles officials said.

There are two ways residents are allowed to prove their vision is good enough to maintain their license. One is to have their eyes checked in person at any S.C. DMV branch. As an alternative, the in-person screening can be waived if a S.C.-licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist submits a driver's vision examination results to the department electronically. The results must be dated within the past 12 months.

After passing the vision exam, the driver will be able to renew the license online or return to a DMV branch office.

Vision tests for first-time licenses and commercial driver's licenses continue to be required.