Drivers age 70 and over at the time the driver license expires must appear in person to renew his/ her driver license. A written test and vision test are required. DMV sends a renewal notice to your address of record about 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive a renewal notice, go online at www.dmv.ca.gov to make an appointment or call 209-625-6662. However, if you have been determined by DMV for reexamination (Driving test), you are required to have a special instruction permit before you allow to take a driving lesson. For more information about a special instruction permit, you may contact: Driver Safety Office, 120 Spring st, Suite I, Pleasanton, CA 94566 .
Your application fee allows only three chances to pass the written test. The driver license renewal test consists of 18 multiple choice questions. The passing grade is three errors or less. Every question on the test is taken from the handbook. Take your time and read each question carefully. There is only one correct answer. The other two will be either obviously wrong or close to being correct; however, not the most accurate.
DMV uses two tests to measure visual acuity (keenness of vision). The most common test is a wall chart. Your eyes are tested together and then individually by reading five characters in different lines. If you are unable to read the wall chart, you will be asked to look into a vision testing machine for specific objects. The testing machine also measures the acuity of your eyes individually and together. If you do not meet DMV’s vision standard (20/40), a DMV representative will give you a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) form to take with you to a vision specialist (licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist). If your vision is not worse than 20/70, you will be issued a 30-day temporary driver license to allow you time to have your vision checked. If you are still unable to meet DMV’s vision standards, you will be scheduled for a driving test to determine if you can
When DMV asks you to take a driving test, it is to determine whether you:
- Have the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
- Have formed or retained proper safe-driving habits.
- Can apply traffic laws to everyday driving.
- Can compensate for driving ability, such as poor vision, loss of a limb, or the early stages of dementia.
During the driving test, the examiner will note any driving skill deficiencies or behaviors that need improvement, but would not disqualify you from keeping your driver license. The examiner will discuss these issues with you after your driving test. You may want to practice your driving skills by taking a Mature Driver Improvement driver education and training class. If your driver license is suspended or revoked and you want to get your license back, contact your local Driver Safety office to inquire about a special instruction permit.
The number one restriction for senior driver is vision-related and usually requires the driver to wear glasses or corrective contact lenses. Other common restrictions include, but are not limited to:
- No freeway driving.
- Driving from sunrise to sunset (no night driving).
- Time of day restriction (for example, not during rush hour traffic).
- Area restriction (for example, to your physician, church, grocery store).
- Requiring a person to place special mechanical devices on his/ her vehicle, such as, driving a vehicle with an additional right side mirror.
Any restriction placed on your driver license is based on a driving examiner that looks at the results of your driving and vision tests and considers your individual circumstances. DMV may impose restrictions or conditions on a person’s driver license when it is necessary to ensure that the person is driving within his/ her ability. However, a restriction is added because of volunteered information about a physical or mental disability. Often, a person with a physical or mental condition is referred to DMV by a family member, a physician, or by a law enforcement.