DMV Announces 70+ Drivers Will No Longer Have To Take Written Renewal Driving Test

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Monday that drivers who are 70+-years-old whose licenses expire in 2024 and beyond will no longer be required to take a written knowledge test beginning on October 1st.

For years, the policy for all drivers above the age of 70 has been to renew their license in person every 5 years, pass a vision test, and pass a written driving knowledge test. In recent years, the only major change was the option to take the knowledge test online, through several COVID-era changes to the license renewal process.

In recent years, the need for a such a test for older drivers has been frequently challenged, with many advocates arguing that  a written test is unneeded, as a vision test is the more tellable test for older drivers. Others, including the DMV, have also been in the process of moving more and more renewals online, hoping to reduce in-person visits to offices to help streamline processes and reducing waits at offices. On Monday, the DMV agreed, making the knowledge test no longer required for older seniors. However, those above 70 will still need to take the written test if they had two or more accidents during the two years immediately preceding the expiration of the license, had three or more accidents during the three years immediately preceding the expiration of the license, had a DUI suspension during the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license, or had a violation point count greater than one within the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.

Those above 70 will also still need to take a vision test and have a new photo taken. In a statement, DMV Director Steve Gordon said that the changes were being made to improve customer service, as well as to reduce traffic at local DMV offices.

“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 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.”

The changes are likely to go unchallenged, with little likelihood of a legislative bill or change in DMV policy to reverse the decision.

“An eye will be kept on accidents involving those above 70 in California,” explained Margo Davis, a consultant for older drivers who want to keep their licenses. “For older drivers, it’s not about not knowing the laws, it is just based on ability. Vision is big, as is the mental side of it. They have higher crash rates. And either they bow out when they realize they can’t drive anymore, or they get into an accident or two triggering the test. It’s like a bell curve. Teenagers and elderly drivers have high accident rates on the opposite sides.

“So, as long as they remain sharp and able to, they can drive, now without the test. But there are enough guardrails in place to get them out if needed too.”

Other DMV shifts to more online services are expected in the coming years.