Some California drivers are in luck, as the DMV (California Department of Motor Vehicles) has confirmed that some drivers may be able to renew their driver’s license without having to take the written test again. Why? Because they are looking to simplify and speed up the renewal process for those users who have been excellent during their years of driving. Basically, the DMV is looking to ease the bureaucratic burden on its offices and will automatically renew the license of some drivers, but not all! There are some requirements to be met, keep reading as we tell you everything you need to know!
Who will be exempt from the written test?
The DMV wants to reward the most responsible drivers, and they have established that all drivers who:
- Have not committed any serious infractions in the last 5 years.
- Have not had any license suspensions or revocations on their record.
- Have not been responsible for traffic accidents with injuries.
So, if you meet these requirements, you will save yourself from having to retake the test, and if not, this policy will make you pay more attention to driving for the next five years!
How can I renew my license without an exam?
If you are one of the lucky ones who can apply for your license without an exam, don’t hesitate. We’ll give you the steps to follow so you don’t get lost!
- Verify that you truly meet the requirements on the California DMV website.
- Complete the application (you can do this either online or at a DMV office)
- Pay your renewal fee (you already know that there is a different price for each category)
- Wait for your application to be approved, and once it is processed, the new one will arrive by mail
And remember that you can do it either online (on the official DMV website) quickly and without having to go to a physical office, by mail (sending the renewal forms and proof of payment) or by going in person to a local office (although with this last option it will probably take longer because the lines at these offices are huge).
And would you already have it?
No, remember that even if you are exempt from the theory test, drivers will have to meet other requirements to obtain their license, such as the vision test, for example, which ensures that drivers maintain one of the characteristics necessary to drive safely.
In addition, you will have to pay for the renewal process because it is nor free! (and it varies depending on the kind of license or driver’s situation).
Will this impact drivers?
Sure, some drivers will see their license automatically renewed, and the community has received this measure quite well (because we like anything that makes paperwork easier), and this measure will benefit thousands of drivers who will be able to avoid this step.
But, like any rule, it also has detractors, and some road safety experts believe that this way there will be thousands of drivers who do not update their traffic laws, so the DMV asks drivers, although it is not mandatory, to review the regulations from time to time to be aware of any changes that may occur in traffic regulations.
The DMV’s commitment is clear: maintaining road safety will now also be the users’ commitment to maintain these requirements to demonstrate that this improvement has not been a mistake!