How to renew a California driver’s license if you’re over 70: a roundup of tips

With the end of the pandemic protocol, Californians 70 and older must again visit a DMV office to renew their driver’s licenses – and the process has been the topic of numerous letters to Mr. Roadshow.

Following is information on renewals for age 70 and up, plus links to the relevant Roadshow columns and Department of Motor Vehicles resources.

Application

Though the renewal notice will say you must make an in-person visit, the DMV encourages all applicants to start the process online. You can submit REAL ID documents, take the knowledge test and pay your fee online, leaving only the vision test, photo, thumbprint and signature for the office visit.

At this DMV page select the option “Start renewal online and finish at a DMV office.” You’ll need to create a MyDMV account,  which requires an email address and a phone number where you can receive a verification text message or voice call.

If your existing license has been verified for REAL ID, you don’t need to submit the documents for your renewal.

Knowledge test

This is required for renewal by drivers 70 and up. There are three ways to complete it:

• Take the conventional test in the DMV office, at one of their computer stations.

• Take the conventional test on your own computer at home, monitored by an online proctor.

• Take the eLearning course on your own computer or mobile device.

The conventional renewal test has 25 questions, and you must get at least 20 right. You have three tries; if you fail twice on your home setup, you have to go into the office for the last try.  To take it at home, you need a computer with a webcam to allow the proctoring, and it must be finished in one session, starting between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. It’s available in 35 languages.

The eLearning video course takes about 45 minutes. You watch seven lessons and answer several questions about each. Unlike the conventional test, it can be done on a tablet or smartphone as well as a computer, and it can be taken anytime. It’s available in English only. The DMV site says you cannot fail eLearning – if you complete the course, your knowledge test requirement is fulfilled.

The two online test options (“MVProctor” and “eLearning”) will be presented to an applicant after the personal information and (if selected) REAL ID sections of the online application have been completed.

Appointment

You can schedule your office visit online, designating “DL/ID Renewal.” The same page also lets you “get in line” for an immediate walk-in visit.

Bring the confirmation code you got if you submitted your application online. If you’re a first-time REAL ID applicant, also bring your identity and residence documents even if you uploaded them.

Vision test

The DMV has a threshold of 20/40 with both eyes together, with or without corrective lenses. A driver who fails the test must have a vision specialist perform an examination and complete the DL-62 form. If your vision is between 20/40 and 20/70, you can get a 30-day license to let you keep driving until you return the examination form.

Signature

Photo, thumbprint and signature are no problem for most people, but one Roadshow reader had a question about a relative with dementia who wouldn’t be able to sign for an official state identification card. There are alternative procedures.

Behind-the-wheel test

A behind-the-wheel test generally isn’t required of an adult who has an existing license from California or any other state. A driver can be flagged for examination, though, in cases including certain mental or physical conditions or if the DMV has reason to suspect that a person is an unsafe driver.