Adults over 70 years old in California will have to comply with the new regulations from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which change the way they renew their driver’s licenses. In order to ensure road safety, drivers over that age will have to attend in person every 5 years for an in-person verification that evaluates physical fitness, vision, and other personal driver information.
The DMV will send a renewal notice 60 days in advance, informing the driver whether they will need to pass a knowledge test, which can be taken online through the “eLearning” system. Additionally, they can also participate in other special programs that the DMV provides for older drivers, such as the “Mature Driving Improvement” course, which can even help reduce their insurance costs.
Changes for those over 70
As we get older, we also lose abilities and reflexes. This can pose a danger for older adults who still drive, as their skills may be diminished, putting their own safety and that of other drivers on the road at risk. That is why the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has implemented a new measure for renewing driver’s licenses in California.
It mainly affects people over 70 years old, who will have different deadlines to renew their licenses. First, the renewal must be done in person and every five years at a DMV office. This addresses the need for a physical check of the driver, reviewing their physical abilities, vision, and other personal information. Additionally, there is the possibility that they may have to take a theoretical knowledge exam, which must be completed online through the eLearning system.
Steps to renew a driver’s license at age 70
Sixty days in advance, the DMV sends the driver a renewal notice, which not only reminds them that the license expiration date is approaching but also informs whether they need to take the written test or not.
- Review the renewal notice: it arrives by mail or email from the DMV.
- Complete the online application: useful for saving time at the appointment.
- Choose the date for the in-person appointment: the final procedure must be done in person.
- Bring all documents: identification, proof of address, and the renewal notice.
- Pass the verification or written test (if applicable).
- Receive the renewed license, valid for five years.
In order to avoid delays and suspensions, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recommends starting the process at least a month in advance.
What happens if you do not attend in person?
One of the non-negotiable requirements for this renewal is in-person attendance. If you do not physically go to a DMV office, the license is automatically invalidated until the in-person verification is completed. In addition to the mandatory points, the DMV also offers special programs for senior drivers, such as the “Mature Driver Improvement” course, which can reduce insurance costs and help maintain independence while driving.
DMV Tips
Although the website lists them as tips for drivers over 70, these tips are perfectly useful and applicable to all drivers:Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or medications.Avoid distractions: no texting.Keep the vehicle registration up to date.Update your address each time you move.Additionally, they also recommend using the MyDMV account, where you can access multiple procedures online without needing to visit an office:
- Check the status of a procedure.
- Renew the annual vehicle registration.
- Request a duplicate license in case of loss or theft.
- Opt to receive digital notifications and handle everything 100% electronically.
In Ohio, the training for drivers under 21 has also been changed. Do you know why?