DMV knowledge test no longer required for California drivers 70 and older

[clifffaith]

Yay me! I turn 70 at the end of 2025, and my license is good until 12/30/27. As long as my driving record stays clean, no more tests! Unfortunately still need to show up for a vision test.

 

[x3 skier]

In Ohio, haven’t had a knoldge test since the first one over 60+ years ago.

 

[clifffaith]

In Ohio, haven’t had a knoldge test since the first one over 60+ years ago.

Ours are miserable, and not to be taken without studying!

 

[DeniseM]

In California, instead of taking the test at the DMV, you can take an easy tutorial type class online. Last year, DMV did not send me a renewal notice (they admitted it, but don't know why.) So my license actually expired, before I noticed it, and I had to take a test and bring in several documents proving who I am, to renew. I did the online class in-lieu of the test at DMV. I thought it was super easy, but the clerk told me that some seniors can't pass the online class - it's a tutorial, so I can't imagine why not, but maybe it's related to computer proficiency.

Online Learning and Tests - California DMV

Need to take a driver's license knowledge test? You can now take it online!

www.dmv.ca.gov

 

[clifffaith]

In California, instead of taking the test at the DMV, you can take an easy tutorial type class online. Last year, DMV did not send me a renewal notice (they acknowledged it, but didn't know why.) So my license actually expired, before I noticed it, and I had to take a test and bring in several documents proving who I am, to renew. I did the online class in-lieu of the test at DMV. I thought it was super easy, but the clerk told me that some seniors can't pass the online class - it's a tutorial, so I can't imagine why not, but maybe it's related to computer proficiency.

Online Learning and Tests - California DMV

Need to take a driver's license knowledge test? You can now take it online!

www.dmv.ca.gov

I’d “looked forward” to the online test because you could correct your errors/ retake the test. I had heard that some of the more obscure questions were being phased out, but not having to take it at all is better!

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Yay me! I turn 70 at the end of 2025, and my license is good until 12/30/27. As long as my driving record stays clean, no more tests! Unfortunately still need to show up for a vision test.

That's good news!!! I can't imagine how I could have forgotten that they had that requirement.

 

[geist1223]

I have not taken a car driving or written test since 1970. I have not taken a Motorcycle written or driving test since 1973. I renewed this year (I am 70) and it is good for 8 years. There is a very simple machine eye test when you renew.

 

[dioxide45]

What is the purpose of the test? I just drove quite a bit in Orange County recently and didn't see anything all that different that would make me think these people knew more about driving since they were able to pass a test.

 

[dioxide45]

There is a very simple machine eye test when you renew.

It's only simple if you can see. When I first got my learners permit many years ago, I needed glasses. I didn't pass that test.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Well my 95 year old father-in law failed the test a couple of times, and finally decided to just give up on his license. All in all, I think that best for public safety..

Of course he was also worried he would not pass the vision test, and try tt convince his eye doctor to write a not excusing him from the DMV vision test. I am not even sure if that's a possibility.

 

[linsj]

I was relieved when I moved from Illinois to Indiana earlier this year that I didn't have to take the written and driving tests. Last time I took those was when I moved to Illinois in 1972.

 

[bizaro86]

Well my 95 year old father-in law failed the test a couple of times, and finally decided to just give up on his license. All in all, I think that best for public safety..

Of course he was also worried he would not pass the vision test, and try tt convince his eye doctor to write a not excusing him from the DMV vision test. I am not even sure if that's a possibility.

Yeah, I think if you're going to have a repeated knowledge test for driving (and some sort of competency testing seems like a good idea to me) then exempting those most at risk of losing their faculties (the elderly) doesn't seem logical to me.