For Californians aged 70 and older, a significant policy change has just been announced by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This adjustment means many seniors will no longer need to take a test or complete an online course to renew their driver's licenses! However, there’s still a requirement to visit a DMV office every five years to maintain driving privileges, which can be a hassle for some.
Previously, the DMV mandated that all drivers renewing their licenses upon turning 70 must take a test. This test could be completed in person, where knowledge of California’s driving rules was assessed, or online through an interactive and non-fail course known as "eLearning." Now, the test has been lifted for many, but not all seniors are exempt from this requirement.
This article will delve into who qualifies for a test-free renewal and outline the various stipulations for older drivers. Additionally, we will explore what else seniors need to do to ensure they remain legally permitted to drive in California.
The good news for Californians age 70 and older is that many of them will no longer have to take a test or online course to renew their driver’s license, thanks to a policy change announced this week by the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
The bad news is, they’ll still have to go to a DMV office every five years to keep their driving privileges.
Until Monday, the DMV required all California drivers seeking to renew their licenses on or after their 70th birthday to take a test, which they could do in person or online. In person, it was an actual test of knowledge about the state’s driving rules. Online, one option was an interactive refresher course that couldn’t be failed — the “eLearning” session just needed to be completed.
Now, the test mandate has been lifted for many drivers, but not all of them. Here’s a rundown on who qualifies for a test-free renewal and the hoops seniors still need to jump through.
Which seniors still have to take the test?
According to the DMV, drivers 70 and older with no points on their record and a minimal number of accidents in recent years are able to renew without a test. Applications are available online in 10 languages — English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese — and printed versions can be found at DMV offices.
Those who have one point on their driving record but only a
