Kailua Optometrist · DMV Vision Clearance
Failed Your Hawaii DMV Vision Test?
We Can Help — Today.
Dr. Lauren Mordue, OD evaluates your vision, completes Hawaii's official Certificate of Eye Examination, and gets you back to the DMV — often the same day.
What to Do Next
Three Steps Back to the Road
If the DMV couldn't clear your vision, here's exactly how we get you sorted — quickly and without guesswork.
Book Your Exam
Call us or book online. Same-day appointments available. Let our front desk know you need a DMV vision certificate so we can prepare your paperwork before you arrive.
Your Vision Screening
A team member checks your visual acuity and peripheral vision. If you meet the DMV requirements, Dr. Mordue reviews the results and validates your certificate. If you do not pass or additional evaluation is needed, Dr. Mordue performs a comprehensive vision assessment and discusses any corrective lens options that may help you qualify.
We Sign the Form
We complete and sign Hawaii's Certificate of Eye Examination right here in the office. Take it to your DMV office and you're done.
Per Hawaii Admin. Rules §19-122-356
Hawaii Driver's License Vision Standards
Here are the exact vision requirements your eye doctor must certify for each license class.
Standard Driver's License
- Visual acuity: 20/40 or better in at least one eye (with or without correction)
- Peripheral vision: Field of 70° or more in one eye
- Both eyes 20/40+ with 140°+ field → no restrictions
- One qualifying eye only → outside rear-view mirror restriction
- Corrective lenses required → must-wear-while-driving restriction
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Visual acuity: 20/40 or better in each eye separately
- Binocular acuity: 20/40 with both eyes together
- Peripheral vision: 70° in each eye separately
- Must recognize red, green, and amber traffic signal colors
Certificate of Eye Examination
We Handle the Paperwork — You Drive Away
Hawaii's DMV requires a Certificate of Eye Examination signed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist to clear a failed vision screening. This is the only document accepted by Hawaii DMV offices. We complete it in-office during your visit.
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Completed In-Office
Dr. Mordue fills out and signs the certificate during your appointment. No paperwork to track down on your own.
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Same-Day Turnaround
Most patients are in and out in under an hour — certificate in hand, ready to return to the DMV the same day.
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Glasses Available On-Site
If corrective lenses would help you qualify, our Eyewear Boutique has hundreds of frames in stock.
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Valid for 6 Months
The completed certificate is valid for six months, giving you a comfortable window to return to the DMV.
Combine It With a Full Eye Exam
We roll your DMV vision evaluation into a comprehensive eye exam — so you leave with your certificate and an updated prescription in a single visit.
Book Your Exam
Out to See
573 Kailua Road, Suite 106
Lau Hala Shops · Kailua, HI 96734
(808) 501-2020
Mon–Sat 10am–6pm · Sun 10am–3pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Hawaii DMV Vision Testing — Your Questions Answered
What vision do I need to pass the Hawaii DMV eye test?
For a standard Hawaii driver's license (Class 1, 2, or 3), you must have 20/40 or better in at least one eye — with or without corrective lenses — and a horizontal field of vision of at least 70 degrees in one eye. Commercial licenses require both eyes to individually meet the 20/40 standard, plus color recognition ability.
What happens if I fail the DMV vision screening?
The DMV will direct you to obtain a Certificate of Eye Examination from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Once we complete and sign the form, you bring it back to your DMV office. Without this certificate, you cannot receive or renew your Hawaii driver's license.
How soon can I be seen?
Typically within a few days, and often the same day. Call us at (808) 501-2020 and let us know you have a DMV deadline — we do our best to get you in quickly. We're open Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 10am–3pm at Lau Hala Shops in Kailua.
Can you help with out-of-state or military license renewals?
Yes. We see patients — especially military families stationed in Hawaii — who need vision clearance for an out-of-state license renewal and don't want to change their license every time they move. Every state has different vision requirements and uses a different form. Dr. Mordue looks up the specific form your state requires and completes it for you.
Will wearing glasses help me pass?
In most cases, yes. Hawaii's vision standard allows corrected acuity — meaning your vision with glasses or contacts counts toward the 20/40 requirement. Your license will carry a restriction requiring you to wear them while driving. We have a full eyewear boutique on-site if you need frames right away.
How long is the Certificate of Eye Examination valid?
The completed certificate is valid for six months from the date of your eye examination. You must submit it to the DMV within that window.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your current glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, your driver's license or state ID, and any paperwork the DMV gave you. If you have vision insurance, bring your card — we'll verify your benefits before your visit.
Can you handle commercial (CDL) vision clearance too?
Yes. Dr. Mordue can evaluate and complete the certificate for Class 4 and commercial license holders. Commercial requirements are stricter — 20/40 in each eye separately, binocular acuity, bilateral peripheral field of 70° per eye, and color recognition.
What if my vision isn't correctable to 20/40?
Dr. Mordue will walk you through your results and options honestly. In some cases, specific restrictions — such as a daylight-only or outside rear-view mirror requirement — may still allow you to drive legally. If driving safely isn't achievable, we'll help you understand next steps.
Ready to Get Your Vision Cleared?
Dr. Lauren Mordue is Kailua's trusted optometrist for DMV vision certificates, comprehensive eye care, and designer eyewear — all at Lau Hala Shops.
Book a DMV Vision Exam