Plenty of reckless motorists out there, and over-75 drivers say don’t put it all on us: Roadshow

Q: I would volunteer for the over-75 driving test. November marks 60 years with my drivers license without ever hitting someone. On the way to our 53rd wedding anniversary dinner recently, I avoided a young guy doing donuts on his bike in the middle of the road. I helped stop traffic in both directions until he tired of his insane stunt.

Dana Charles, San Jose

A: A reader suggested that drivers 75 and older be required to take a driving test when renewing their driver’s license. Dana was the only person to agree. Others thought driving tests would be misplaced if focused on older drivers, as they feel the most dangerous drivers are reckless drivers of any age.

Q: Have you noticed the new patches on Highway 4 leading up the hill toward Bay Point, just before the Willow Pass exit? The patches are worse than the holes!!! Do they plan to smooth these out?

Jennifer Wallig

A: Caltrans has just started a new project to rehab this stretch of highway. The project will take a little over a year to complete.

Q: Does each DMV have different procedures for renewing a driver’s license? I renewed mine a few years ago at the Concord DMV. They required me to take the knowledge test right there, with three tries to pass, if needed. Do they allow people to take the test online now? In a recent column, a reader said she took a short course online. My husband, 87, needs to renew his license this year.

Akiko Wiley

A: Seniors 70 and over must renew their driver’s license at a DMV office. The renewal process can be started online at the DMV’s website by creating a MyDMV account. When filling out the online driver’s license application, eligible customers can choose a remote knowledge test or an interactive eLearning course with a quiz after each of the seven required course modules.

The online knowledge test is available in 35 languages to customers who have an internet-ready computer or laptop with a webcam. It cannot be taken on a tablet or mobile device.

The eLearning course, currently available only in English, takes approximately 45 minutes. Those ineligible for the online knowledge test or interactive course must take the test at a DMV office. See: www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/online-learning-and-tests/

A: Several readers added their thoughts after the column about the 1976 Joe Colla stunt to motivate the completion of the Interstate 880-Highway 101 overpass.