Can people with color weakness get a driver's license?
3 Answers
People with color weakness are allowed to obtain a driver's license, but those with red-green color blindness cannot. Other types of color blindness are permitted. Driver's license examination physical requirements: The physical examination includes specific items such as height, vision, color discrimination ability, hearing, and limb movement. Only those who pass the physical examination are eligible to apply. In daily driving, a driver's ability to distinguish traffic lights is crucial. Therefore, during the physical examination, individuals with color weakness can pass as long as they can distinguish between red, green, and yellow. Even those with mild color weakness symptoms can apply for a driver's license. Color weakness is a type of color vision deficiency, considered a mild form of color blindness with lower color recognition and perception. The difference between color blindness and color weakness is that color blindness means a complete inability to distinguish colors, while color weakness means a weaker ability to distinguish. To pass the physical examination, individuals with color weakness can use color-correcting glasses to enhance their perception of colors or rely on external lighting, as the brightness of light greatly affects color saturation. Higher saturation makes it easier for people with color weakness to distinguish colors. Basic procedures for obtaining a driver's license: Physical examination: Before enrolling in a driving school, a physical check-up and registration are required. After receiving the textbook, students must complete five theoretical courses within the specified time. Theory test (Subject 1): The test usually covers traffic regulations and driving knowledge. Subject 2 test includes five components: reversing into a garage, stopping and starting on a slope, parallel parking, curve driving, and turning at a right angle. Subject 3 covers basic operations: getting into the car, preparing in a counterclockwise direction, fastening the seat belt, turning on the left turn signal for 3 seconds before shifting gears, stopping, honking to start, passing through intersections, changing lanes, parking by the roadside, passing through pedestrian crossings, passing through school zones, passing through bus stops, driving straight, meeting other vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and simulating light conditions. Subject 4 is the safe and civilized driving test. After passing all subjects, the driver's license can be obtained.
When I was young, I also encountered color vision deficiency issues during my driver's license medical exam. Nowadays, the policy has actually been relaxed. As long as it's not red-green color blindness, most cases of color vision deficiency can still qualify for a driver's license. During the medical check, doctors will assess your ability to distinguish traffic lights. Nowadays, urban traffic lights have fixed positions and shapes to aid identification. Our driving school instructors also remind students with color vision deficiency to pay extra attention to traffic signal changes while driving. There's usually no problem during the day, but they need to be especially cautious about light contrast during rainy or foggy conditions. Regular eye examinations are also essential—safety always comes first when driving.
As someone who has been through it, I can say that getting a driver's license with color weakness is completely feasible. The medical exam focuses on testing the ability to distinguish between red and green. During my test back then, the doctor used traffic lights of different brightness levels for me to identify. With more driving experience in daily life, you'll realize that actual driving relies not only on color recognition but also on light positions and overall judgment at intersections. Installing a HUD (Head-Up Display) in the car can be even more helpful. The key is to have a proper self-awareness and not to force yourself in situations with complex signals.
