California is making it easier for seniors to renew driver’s licenses. Here’s how
The state of California is making it easier for senior drivers to renew their driver’s licenses.
Most elderly drivers are no longer required to take mandatory written knowledge tests when renewing their licenses, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Drivers were previously required to take written tests every five years once they turned 70.
The DMV announced on Monday, Sept. 30, that drivers 70 and older in California whose licenses expire in 2024 and later will no longer be required to take those tests.
“All drivers have been required to take a written test once they turn 70 as a policy requirement and not a requirement of law,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a Monday news release. “We are eliminating the written knowledge test for those without traffic violations on their record to improve customer service.”
Do elderly drivers have to go to DMV office to renew license?
Drivers 70 and older must still visit a DMV office to undergo a vision exam and take an updated photo to renew their license.
“Some renewal notices for customers with licenses that expire in 2024 may indicate a knowledge test is required, but it will be waived during the in-office visit,” the DMV said.
To save time during an office visit, the DMV recommends starting a renewal application online.
Who is required to take knowledge test for driver’s license renewal?
First-time drivers and those with poor driving records are still required to take knowledge tests when renewing driver’s licenses in California.
According to the DMV, drivers whose records meet any of the following conditions must to take the knowledge test:
▪ Two or more accidents in the two years before license expiration.
▪ Three or more accidents in the three years before license expiration.
▪ A DUI suspension in the two years before license expiration.
▪ More than one violation point within the two years before license expiration.
For those required to take a knowledge test, there is an online option for testing.
“If thousands fewer people need to visit the DMV, or can spend less time in an office, the people who need to take care of their business in one of our offices can be better served,” Gordon said.
Which DMV services can I access online in California?
“The DMV has spent the last few years digitizing and improving services and making almost all transactions conveniently available on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or computer,” the DMV said.
As part of its customer-centric digital transformation, the DMV now processes the following transactions online, through kiosks, by phone, mail, or via business partners:
▪ Simple vehicle registration renewals without overdue dates or address changes.
▪ Driver’s license renewals that don’t require an office visit.
▪ Requests for vehicle and driver’s license record copies.
▪ Replacing lost or stolen driver’s license cards.
This story was originally published October 2, 2024 at 11:55 AM with the headline "California is making it easier for seniors to renew driver’s licenses. Here’s how."
