California Driving Laws for Seniors (2024)
California driving laws don’t always require driving tests for seniors, but they do require seniors to renew their licenses every few years. Read on to learn more about California driving rules.
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Kristen Gryglik
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Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
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UPDATED: Jul 5, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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When looking at elderly driving laws by state, seniors’ driving tests and regulations vary. In California, there are no special car insurance coverage requirements for seniors or California driving laws prohibiting them from driving after a certain age.
California Senior Citizen Driving Summary
| CA Senior Citizen Driving Facts | Source |
|---|---|
| DMV does not take away your driver license just because you reach a certain age. | dmv.ca.gov |
| Due to COVID-19, license holders 69 and younger qualify for online renewal. | dmv.ca.gov |
| License holders over the age of 70 have their license validations extended by one year. | dmv.ca.gov |
| Your driver license can only be revoked due to mental/physical condition or inability to follow traffic laws. | dmv.ca.gov |
| California's DMV will test eye sight to qualify for a license. | dmv.ca.gov |
However, license renewal laws help authorities decide when to restrict or revoke a senior’s driving license to keep everyone on the road safe. Read on to learn more about California driving rules, CA driver’s license age requirements for senior drivers, and see whether you’ll need to take a CA senior driving test.
- Seniors must renew their driver’s license in person every five years
- The DMV may require a driver’s test if there are concerns about a senior driver’s safety
- The DMV may revoke or restrict a driver’s license if the driver can no longer drive safely
Senior Driver’s License Renewal in California
What is the new rule for senior drivers in California? California drivers who are 70 or older must renew their driver’s license in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) every five years. Previously, COVID-19 was an exception to this rule, which allowed seniors to renew online.
So, do seniors have to take a written and driving test in California? As of January 2023, residents over 70 in California must renew their license in person alongside an eye exam and a CA DMV renewal test for seniors.
You may also wonder, “Do you have to take a driving test when you are 70 in California?” In some cases, the DMV may ask a driver to take a CA DMV drivers test for seniors who may have impaired vision or driving abilities.
Senior drivers must also complete the following to be eligible for a California senior driver’s license renewal:
- Vision Test: CA DMV tests for seniors include a vision test at every license renewal. Drivers can have their vision DMV test for seniors done at the DMV or get a Report of Vision Examination within six months from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
- Written Test: Do seniors have to take a written test in California? A DMV written test for seniors in California is required for those 70 or older. You have three changes to pass the CA DMV senior written test, and you must get 21 question correct.
- Possible California Senior Driving Test: The DMV may require a driving test for seniors in California if there are concerns about a senior driver’s ability to drive safely.
If a driver meets all the senior drivers license renewal California requirements, there will be no driving restrictions or revocation. However, in some cases, a senior driver may not be able to drive safely anymore, which would result in denial of license renewal or the issuing of a restricted license.
However, this can affect insurance rates, so read our five auto insurance buying tips for seniors. The following section will cover when a senior driver may face license revocation or restrictions from the DMV.
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Restricted Driver Licenses for Senior Drivers
Based on the CA DMV test for seniors over 70, if the DMV has reason to believe a driver no longer can drive safely, the DMV may restrict a senior driver’s license. Often, the DMV also gets notified with concerns about a senior driver’s ability to drive safely by the driver’s doctor, family, friends, law enforcement, or the driver.
After a complete examination of a driver’s ability to drive, including a doctor’s health reports or a California driving test for senior citizens, the DMV may place the following restrictions on a senior driver’s license:
- Limits on where a driver can go, such as to a grocery store or doctor.
- Requiring the driver to wear corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Requiring modifications to the car, such as outside mirrors or automatic transmission.
- Not allowing drivers to drive on the freeway.
- Not allowing drivers to drive at night.
It’s important to note that the above restrictions can apply to all drivers and aren’t geared explicitly for senior drivers. However, some age-related health conditions may result in senior drivers receiving the restrictions on their license, such as vision degradation.
If senior drivers’ conditions are more severe, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, the DMV may revoke the driver’s license, preventing the seniors from driving altogether.
Another option is that the DMV may also put a senior driver on medical probation when a driver or their doctor must regularly report on the driver’s medical condition. The DMV may also issue a limited-term license to senior drivers, where drivers have to come in every year or so for evaluation to ensure that they can still safely drive and won’t be putting themselves or others at risk.
More About CA Drivers License Renewal for Drivers Over 70
CA driving rules don’t include any specific laws for license renewal other than requiring drivers over 70 to come in person to renew their driver’s license and complete an eye exam and DMV written test for seniors in California. Other restrictions and requirements the DMV may place on senior drivers apply to all ages, not just seniors.
As a senior driver, it’s crucial to have good auto insurance coverage in case of an accident. Our free quote comparison tool will help you find your area’s best auto insurance rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the driving laws for seniors in California?
In California, there are no specific driving laws that apply exclusively to seniors. All drivers, regardless of age, must adhere to the same rules and regulations outlined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, seniors may be subject to additional requirements when renewing their driver’s licenses.
What is the new policy for senior drivers in California?
So, what is the new rule for senior drivers in California? While COVID-19 temporarily allowed California seniors to renew their license online, seniors must now renew in person every five years as of January 2023. In addition, they must undergo an eye exam and take a California senior driver license renewal test.
Do seniors in California need to renew their driver’s licenses more frequently?
No, seniors in California do not need to renew their driver’s licenses more frequently based solely on their age. California drivers license renewal for seniors is the same for other drivers, and isn’t based on age. The DMV generally requires drivers to renew their licenses every five years, but the renewal process is the same for all age groups.
Are there any additional requirements for senior drivers in California?
Yes, California has additional requirements for senior drivers. So, what are the California DMV rules for seniors
Once a driver reaches the age of 70, they must renew their driver’s license in person and take a vision test and written exam during the renewal process. Additionally, the DMV may require a California driving test for seniors if there are concerns about the driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Are there any restrictions on senior drivers in California?
California does not impose specific driving restrictions based solely on age. However, all drivers, including seniors, must comply with the standard traffic laws and regulations applicable to all motorists. If a senior driver has a medical condition that affects their driving ability, the DMV may request additional medical information or evaluations to ensure their safety on the road.
Can a family member or health care provider request a driver’s license reevaluation for a senior driver in California?
Yes, family members, health care providers, or concerned individuals can submit a Request for Driver Reexamination to the California DMV if they believe a senior driver may have physical or mental conditions that impair their driving ability. The DMV will review the request and may require the driver to undergo a medical evaluation or driving test.
Are there any discounts on auto insurance for senior drivers in California?
Many insurance companies offer discounts on auto insurance for senior drivers in California. These discounts are typically based on factors such as driving experience, accident history, and completion of defensive driving courses. Seniors are encouraged to check with their insurance providers to inquire about available discounts and eligibility criteria.
Can a senior driver voluntarily give up their driver’s license in California?
Yes, a senior driver in California can voluntarily surrender their driver’s license if they no longer wish to drive. This can be done by contacting the local DMV office and following their procedures for surrendering a license. Surrendering a driver’s license is a personal decision and should be made after careful consideration of alternative transportation options.
Where can I find more information about California driving laws for seniors?
For more information about California driving laws for seniors, it is recommended to visit the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov/seniors or contact your local DMV office.
They can provide specific information about licensing requirements, renewal procedures, and any additional regulations or resources available for senior drivers in the state.
At what age do seniors have to take a driving test in California?
At what age do you have to retake your driving test in California? There isn’t a specific age where seniors must retake a driving test. However, if you’re over 70, you may need to take a senior driving test in California if your vision test doesn’t meet minimum DMV requirements.
So if you’re wondering, “Do I have to take a driving test at 75 in CA?” the answer is it depends on the outcome of your vision test.
How often do seniors have to take a written driving test in California?
You might be asking yourself, “How often do seniors have to take a written test in California?” All CA drivers over 70 must take a written test and eye exam every five years when renewing their license.
Can California seniors renew a drivers license online?
A top question CA driver ask is, “Can seniors over 70 renew a drivers license online in California?” As of January 2023, seniors over 70 must renew their drivers license in person every five years and take a written and vision test.
Do seniors have to retake the driving test in California?
You might be wondering, “Do seniors have to take a driving test in California?” Generally, DMV renewal for seniors don’t always involve a driving test unless there are concerns about their driving abilities.
Is there a special DMV test for seniors in California?
No, there isn’t a specific DMV test for seniors over 70. However, seniors must renew their licenses in person every five years, alongside passing a vision and DMV senior written test.
How many questions are on the DMV written test for seniors in California?
As your tests approach, you may be asking yourself, “How many questions are on the CA DMV renewal written test for seniors?” The DMV renewal test for seniors in California has 25 questions, and you must answer 21 correctly to pass it.
How long is the extension for drivers over 70 in California?
A California senior driver license renewal extension of one year was granted to seniors over 70 whose licenses expired between March and December 2020.
What is the driver license renewal test for seniors in California?
Seniors must take a written test of 25 questions and a vision test every five years when renewing their license in California.
How often do seniors have to renew their driver’s license in California?
Seniors over 70 must renew their driver’s license every five years at the DMV in person. They also must take a vision and written test.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.