BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Starting now, Kentucky drivers will have to pass a vision test if they are renewing their license. This involves putting their faces into a device and reading letters, which can be done at the DMV or an eye doctor's office. 

Chris Baker, Kentucky State Police driver test commander, said this accommodates those who have trouble seeing things in their peripheral vision.

“You may have multiple things off to the side that could be catastrophic if you don’t see it: a small child on the side of the road or an animal crossing your path," Baker said. 

Those who fail their vision test will be referred to a vision specialist, said Matt Cole of Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet. 

“If the vision is corrected, vision specialists will fill out a form and sign the driver vision testing certification form confirming that their patient can safely operate a vehicle and proceed with their license renewal," Cole said. 

Cole said the vision test will take around a minute to complete, adding he doesn't expect it to extend waiting times. 

"We don't want people out there on the roads endangering other people's lives," Cole said. "It's never an easy task; it's going to be an uphill mission for us to accomplish because we want these roads to be safer for all of us." 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, visual field loss of any sort in both eyes increases the odds of a car crash by 84%.

“I just think that knowing now, you have to have a screening every four to eight years to renew your license, will just help people be more aware of their vision problems," Baker said. "If they have a problem, they can go to their eye doctor and get it corrected.

Kentuckians can renew their license 180 days prior to its expiration date.