It is my family’s belief that my mother is the best driver among us.
In addition to a spotless driving record, when she parks her car at her house, she must back into a tiny one car garage that has an unforgiving margin of error. None of us are willing to back her car in ourselves, for fear that we will break off one of her side mirrors.
We joke that when she fails to successfully back into her garage, we will know it’s time to take the keys away.
Just this year, my mother had to renew her driver’s license right before her 90th birthday.
She completed the entire process online, no driving test, vision test or exam required. She resides in New Hampshire, so the rules for driver license renewals differ from here in California.
In both states, license renewals are every five years, usually on the driver’s birthday.
While not as simple as New Hampshire renewals, a new California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) policy has just been introduced that will make it easier for senior drivers to renew their license.
As of October 1, 2024, Californians aged 70 and above will no longer need to take the written driver test when they renew their license.
Older drivers with good driving records and whose license expires as of October 1, 2024 and beyond, won’t need to take the written knowledge test.
This does not preclude a visit to the DMV, however. For those at age 70 and above, renewals require an office visit for a vision exam and an updated photo.
The first step in the renewal process occurs about 60 days before your driver’s license expires. You will receive a renewal notice by mail.
The DMV suggests starting your renewal application online to ease the process once you get to the DMV office.
Some renewal notices for drivers age 70+ may say a knowledge test is required, but if you have a clean driving record, it will likely be waived once you get to the in-office visit.
Those who have one point on their driving record but a minimal number of accidents in recent years must take a test, but they can opt for the online eLearning course.
eLearning is an online, self-directed course. These seven interactive lessons with a short quiz at the end of each, are an alternative to the written or online exam. The course is a pass only / no fail course. It is interactive and does not require preparation. You can take the course at your own pace. You can take up to a year to complete the installments while your renewal application is pending. It can be completed on a smart phone, tablet, or computer.
Signing up for the eLearning course must be done online.
For those who are thinking they may be able to renew their license at their local AAA office, California AAA does not offer driver's license services at most of its branches, including driver's license renewals, replacements, and DMV printouts. These transactions must be handled at the DMV.
While the DMV has enacted this new policy to reduce office wait times, it also relieves many older driver’s stress and anxiety over taking the written exam.