California DMV launches Chinese version of license renewal test. What you need to know

Californians who need to renew their driver’s licenses can now take a Chinese version of the fail-safe eLearning course , the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Thursday.

The DMV created a traditional Chinese language version with audio in Mandarin as a more inclusive and accessible option for Californians across the state, the department said in a news release.

There are roughly 1.5 million Chinese Americans living in California, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. California and New York are also home to about half of all Chinese Americans living in the U.S.

“Expanding our services to include a Chinese language option is part of our ongoing commitment to serve all Californians. We are dedicated to providing flexible and accessible options for DMV services,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a statement.

The department first launched the online eLearning course in 2022. The test is built for California drivers who need to renew their driver’s license, but not for those who are applying for a new license.

The no-fail online exam includes seven modules with quizzes at the end of each section. The DMV course was designed to have a 100% pass rate since test-takers can repeat any portions of the exam they miss on the first try. Each month, around 50,000 Californians pass the online course, the department said.

The course can be accessed on any laptop, tablet or smartphone at any time of day and typically takes less than 45 minutes to complete. The course was created to help drivers who struggle with traditional exams, the DMV said.

Customers may still be required to visit a DMV office to finalize their renewal after completing the course, according to the department.

The DMV is working on expanding its language options for residents throughout the state. The department launched a Spanish version of the test in June. Up until then, the e-Learning course had only been available in English.