DRIVERS will be forced to undergo an extra exam as the new license law orders and failure to do so will have you banned from the road.
The change of law comes down to the government trying to make the roads a safer place.
From January 2025, the new safety measure will force all Kentucky drivers to have an extra vision exam, regardless of their age.
Matt Cole, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s vehicle regulation commissioner told the Herald-Leader in a recent interview why this happening.
He said: “I would rather tell one person that they need to go see an eye doctor than have law enforcement go to somebody’s house and say their family member is no longer with us because someone’s vision wasn’t good enough to drive.”
Drivers can get the exam done at one of Kentucky’s regional drivers license officers if they’re renewing their licence.
Cole explained it will be part of the check-in process when drivers need a new licence.
Or, if you haven’t renewed your licence yet you can get a medical professional to administer you one and then use that as proof when you renew your license.
Cole claims there won’t be any additional fees.
Kentucky officials aren’t expecting waiting times to increase after this change comes into force.
However, they still recommend booking license renewals as soon as possible, especially if it’s due to expire next year.
What will happen in the vision exam?
Like all new Kentucky drivers complete an eye exam, Cole explained the extra exam is hardly any different.
He said: “You look into the little box.” Adding: “You look at the lights and read back what you see.”
Cole claims the exam only takes a minute.
The exam could even be done by a vision specialist before you’re due a license renewal.
Cole said patients can expect to hear from health care providers within 12 months.
But, if someone fails the exam, they’ll have to see a vision specialist.
This could be an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
Possible outcomes could be glasses or contact lenses.
Once a driver completes the exam they will attain their completed form.
Cole said: “If [drivers] bring that form in to us at the regional office, we just accept that and they proceed to renewal.
“There’s no reason for us to do any additional screenings.”
Drivers will then need to upload the form online to drive.ky.gov.
What do I need to renew my licence?
If you have had a change of address or name etc, you must bring these documents to your appointment:
- Current driving licence
- Proof of address
- Proof of name change
- Renewal fee
And remember, in 2025, REAL ID enforcement will also begin so that’ll need dealing with before May 7.
If you haven’t experienced any changes, just renew your licence online.
Lexington Herland Leader recommends taking this state quiz to help you figure which documents you need.
