Renewing a driver's license in California has been, for years, a quick and convenient process. Many citizens, especially those over 70 years old, could do it from home with just a few clicks. However, that stage has ended for a significant portion of the population.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has imposed a new rule that changes the rules of the game. It's not a minor change: it directly affects thousands of older drivers, especially those who've had some problems on the road in recent years. The news has been met with surprise and concern among those affected.
New DMV requirements
The Department of Motor Vehicles has implemented a stricter protocol. The measure mainly affects people over 70 years old and especially those who've had recent violations. This group of drivers will have to appear in person to renew their license.
They'll no longer be able to do it online as before, and they'll also have to pass medical and cognitive tests. The rule aims to ensure road safety in a state with an increasingly aging population. DMV's goal is to prevent accidents and make sure all drivers are in optimal condition to drive.
Who will have to take the tests?
The measure doesn't apply to all people over 70; it's focused only on those who've had records in the past two years. Specifically, those who've committed a relevant violation. For example, having been arrested for DUI, also if they were involved in an accident or if they accumulate recorded traffic violations.
These cases will no longer be able to choose online renewal. They'll have to go to the DMV and complete mandatory evaluations. Only after that will they be able to renew their license.
Mandatory tests and medical conditions
The tests don't include a practical driving test, but a physical and cognitive review is required; these are brief but essential processes. Vision, response capacity, and general health will be checked; there will also be a medical evaluation and the driver's cognitive state will be monitored. DMV is especially alert to diseases such as Alzheimer's, dementia, or epilepsy.
They also monitor conditions like diabetes or cataracts, all with the aim of reducing risk on the roads. Some users consider it age discriminatory, but DMV insists it's a preventive action, and the data support its decision. In 2022, people over 65 caused 15% of traffic accidents.
They were also responsible for many deaths behind the wheel, and the number keeps increasing. With this new regulation, DMV aims to stop that trend and reduce the number of incidents, thus ensuring safer driving for everyone.
Hundreds of thousands of people affected
In the United States, 91% of older drivers are still active. In California alone, the change may affect hundreds of thousands, especially in the coming years. Automatic renewal is now a thing of the past for many.
Now, people will have to go through stricter tests and procedures. A real cold shower for those who didn't expect changes.