The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of California has announced new rules aimed at our older drivers, and you may not like them very much, but the reality is that in the last year there were more than 400 road accidents that directly involved older drivers, and there have been more than 600 deaths per year during the last decade in which our seniors have been involved.
Of course measures must be taken, and the California DMV wants to cut this number that is truly alarming, so they have started with the basics. Instead of focusing on the age of each driver (how many older folks are better than me?), they are going to prioritize each person’s record, this means they are going to perform stricter tests on those who want to renew their license.
Is there an age limit?
It is not about age, but about your abilities and your health. Years ago there was indeed a special requirement for those over 70 and it was that they had to take a written exam every five years, but today, relax, if you are a senior you are not required to take any written test when you renew! (That is, if you have no violations, if you have them it is another issue…)
With this the DMV wants to reduce paperwork and give a vote of confidence to older adults who have spent years doing things right, not everyone needs an exam, but many do need a check-up, they are older, but many have been driving for decades!
And what about those who do have to take the exam?
If you have had fines, incidents, legal problems related to driving, or if it is the first time you request a license, you will have to take a written exam. The same applies if you have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
So, accidents, DUI suspension or similar fines will make you repeat the exam, like young people who are just getting their license.
Can they suspend your license?
Of course, like any other driver! Be careful, they will not do it because of age but because of violations. The California Vehicle Code states that if a driver has conditions that put at risk their safety or that of others, the license can be suspended, with no age distinction.
But it also states that older adults who present some health risks will have to undergo tests that verify whether they are in condition to get behind the wheel. They establish 4 conditions:
- Disorders that cause loss of consciousness (epilepsy, fainting…).
- Episodes of confusion.
- Physical or mental problems that affect driving.
And of course, they pay special attention to illnesses such as dementia, cataracts, diabetes, Alzheimer’s or muscular degeneration.
How do I renew my license if I am over 70?
Do you have a clean record? You renew just like anyone else. No exam, but if you have had any problem in recent years you will indeed have to take the written test.
Tips before going to the DMV
Get a full medical check-up that verifies that you are fit to drive, and of course, if your health has changed at any moment, notify the DMV (if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, similar illnesses).
And be careful with medications that cause drowsiness or slow reflexes, it is dangerous to get behind the wheel like that, and be careful because this applies to all drivers regardless of age.
Why are they eliminating exams for seniors?
Aging is already complicated enough for us to be blocked everywhere, many older adults feel that little by little they become useless and the world is leaving them aside, so the DMV wants to avoid that, they want senior drivers to continue feeling part of society because they are, and they do not want a number to define their abilities.