The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has eliminated a requirement for older people seeking to renew driver’s licenses.
Effective October 1, 2024, the California DMV will no longer require drivers aged 70 and older to pass a written knowledge test in order to renew driver’s licenses, as long as they have a good driving record.
Drivers will still be required to pass a vision test and take an updated photo.
However, officials say that drivers 70 or over will still be required to pass the written test to renew if they meet any of the following conditions:
- Two or more accidents during the two years immediately preceding the expiration of the license
- Three or more accidents during the three years immediately preceding the expiration of the license
- A DUI suspension during the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license
- A violation point count greater than one within the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license
First time drivers and those new to California must still take the written knowledge test.
Officials say that they dropped the written test requirement for older drivers in order to speed up customer service at DMV locations.
“All drivers have been required to take a written test once they turn 70 as a policy requirement and not a requirement of law,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “We are eliminating the written knowledge test for those without traffic violations on their record to improve customer service. 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.”