The Department of Motor Vehicles released a formal statement this afternoon confirming reports earlier in the day that the Cuomo administration will place a hold on waiving the requirement for vision tests for those renewing their drivers licenses.

Instead, the DMV will ask members of the medical community to weigh on alternatives that are efficient and remain cost-effective, adding that public safety will not be compromised.

“I have asked the medical organizations prominent in the vision health field, AAA and AARP to review the best alternatives for a system that receives more than 2.4 million driver license renewal applications each year,” said Commissioner Barbara Fiala. “Those of us charged with delivering key government services to the public must always look for the most cost-effective ways to provide those services, but public safety will always be the first priority at DMV and it will not be compromised.”

Waiving the vision test requirement for renewing a driver’s license took effect Wednesday and was immediately scorned by local officials and doctors, along with newspaper editorial boards. Even Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb criticized the governor for the policy, which he found contradictory in light of the tough driver-safety measures Cuomo pushed for and approved.

It’s fair to say this marks a pretty speedy turnaround for any unpopular policy in recent years.

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