When it comes to renewing your California driver’s license if you’re 70 or older, it’s important to know the basic rules.
RELATED: Older drivers oppose California DMV’s knowledge test for those over 70
Drivers 70 and older who want to renew must pass a knowledge test and an eye exam every five years. In most cases, the license is good for five years.
Here’s how to renew:
Take the online class
Take the online eLearning course in lieu of the knowledge test. Depending on your driving record and other factors, you may qualify for the remote eLearning course, a 45-minute driver’s education course with quizzes that counts for the knowledge test. This option was introduced last year and is currently available only in English.
“That to me is something seniors should all do,” said Dee Keoski, of Riverside, the volunteer coordinator at the Janet Goeske Senior Center in Riverside.
It’s a good option for those who have trouble taking tests.
RELATED: Why does the California DMV require those over 70 to pass a test every five years?
Go online and create an account with the DMV. You will need an email address. If you don’t have one, get a free email address from an email provider. Two people can’t share an account or email address. Once you create the DMV account online, sign up for the eLearning module. This can be completed 24/7 on a computer, laptop, tablet or a mobile device.
Do not make an appointment if you want this option. If you do not choose the e-learning option immediately when you create your account online, and you make a reservation for a test, you will have to take a test at the DMV.
Take the in-person exam
Take the knowledge test in person at the DMV, either using a computer touchscreen, on paper, or with accommodations. The default is testing by touchscreen computer, but you may ask for a paper test or other accommodation, including a person-to-person verbal test in a language of your choosing.
Take the virtual test
Take the knowledge test remotely on a computer or laptop with a webcam. Those eligible are prompted to choose the remote exam option after filling out the online driver’s license application and paying the application fee. After completing the online exam, you still have to visit the DMV to provide identification and residency documents, take a photo, provide a thumbprint, and a vision screening. The online knowledge test is offered in 35 languages and can’t be taken on a tablet or mobile device. You must agree to be monitored throughout the exam to prevent fraud.
Once someone submits a renewal application, they have three attempts to pass the knowledge test before they must reapply. Online test takers have two attempts to pass and a third try must be taken at a DMV office.
Older drivers are not required to take a behind-the-wheel driving test to renew.
California Vehicle Code section 12814(a) does not allow the DMV to mandate driving tests for renewal applicants past a certain age, as the “age of a licensee, by itself, may not constitute evidence of a condition requiring an examination of the driving ability.” However, the DMV can take administrative actions on driving privileges for anyone who shows they can’t operate a vehicle. Law enforcement and members of the public can ask the DMV to reevaluate someone’s ability to drive safely by filling out a form.
Details are on the DMV’s “Potentially Unsafe Driver”page.
As for the test questions, some readers said the questions didn’t match what they studied. All test questions for the knowledge test, regardless of the test taker’s age, come from the California Driver’s Handbook.
Finally, if you have a complaint, remember that your elected representatives to the California Legislature made the license renewal laws. Write or call your state representative to voice your concerns or suggestions.
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call 951-368-9670.
