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

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced on Monday that it’s no longer requiring most drivers 70 years or older to take a written knowledge test when renewing their licenses.

All drivers have been required to take the test once their license expires after turning 70, which has been a policy but not a law, according to DMV Director Steve 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,” Gordon said in a statement.

However, drivers 70 and older must still visit an office for a vision exam and take an updated photo to renew their license.

First-time drivers and those with poor driving records are also required to take a knowledge test.

Additionally, drivers are still required to take the knowledge test if their records meet any of the following criteria:

• Two or more accidents during the two years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.
• Three or more accidents during the three years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.
• A DUI suspension during the two years immediately preceding the license’s expiration date.
• A violation point count greater than one within the two years immediately preceding the license’s expiration date.

Some customers with licenses expiring in 2024 may have received renewal notices indicating a knowledge test is required, but it will be waived during an in-office visit.

DMV officials continue to urge motorists to utilize their website to bypass or minimize their time in a DMV office.

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