Knowledge Tests For Drivers 70+ No Longer Required At DMV Starting October

CALIFORNIA — California drivers ages 70 and over will no longer have to take a written knowledge test when renewing their licenses come October, the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Monday.

All Golden State drivers have been required to take the test once their license expires after turning 70, which has been a policy but never a law, DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a statement.

"We are eliminating the written knowledge test for those without traffic violations on their record to improve customer service," Gordon said. "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."

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

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

In addition, drivers who meet the following criteria will still be required to take the knowledge test:

• 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.

The move is another step toward digitizing a myriad of DMV services, and representatives urged residents to visit their website to find out how you can streamline your DMV task.

For more information, visit the DMV's website.