California ended the routine written renewal test for many drivers aged 70 and older
On September 30, 2024, California’s DMV announced that, starting October 1, drivers aged 70 and older with licenses expiring in 2024 or later would no longer routinely take a written renewal test if their records did not meet specified poor-driving-record triggers. The office visit for a vision exam and updated photo remained required.
Period covered: 2024-10-01
This report describes the dated record. For services available now, visit local providers.
A renewal rule changed October 1
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles announced the change on September 30, 2024, and put it into effect the next day. Drivers aged 70 and older with licenses expiring in 2024 or later no longer had to take the routine written knowledge test if their records did not meet the agency’s listed poor-driving-record triggers. The DMV said the previous test was a policy requirement, not a legal requirement. [1]
The change did not remove the in-person renewal visit for this group: drivers still had to complete a vision exam and have an updated photo taken. The DMV said some 2024 renewal notices might still show a knowledge-test requirement, but the test would be waived at the office. [1]
The change did not waive every test for every driver aged 70 or older. The report links the DMV’s driving-record triggers and separate original-license requirements.
LACEHH original graphic · Sources: California DMV.
Who still takes a knowledge test
The DMV retained the test for first-time drivers, people new to California and renewal applicants whose records meet any of four triggers: two or more accidents in the two years immediately before license expiration; three or more accidents in the three years immediately before expiration; a DUI suspension in the two years immediately before expiration; or a violation-point count greater than one in the two years immediately before expiration. [1]
Renewal applicants with points who do not meet those triggers are eligible for the DMV’s eLearning course, which the 2024 announcement said was available in English, Spanish and Chinese. The DMV’s current preparation page describes renewal eLearning as an online option when a knowledge test is required. [1] [2]
Renewal and original-license testing differ
The DMV handbook says applicants for an original driver’s license must pass a multiple-choice knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel test. For renewals, eLearning may be an alternative when a knowledge test is required, and a driver with a vision or medical condition may be required to take a drive test. [3]
For older drivers and caregivers coordinating appointments or time away from work, removing the routine written test eliminates one part of the renewal process for those covered by the change. The office visit, vision exam and photo remain. The policy applies to the defined older-driver renewal group, not every person aged 70 or older. [1]
Sources & further reading
- Written Knowledge Test Requirement Eliminated for Most California Driver’s License RenewalsCalifornia DMV · 2024-09-30
- Knowledge and Drive Tests PreparationCalifornia DMV · Undated; checked October 28, 2026
- California Driver’s HandbookCalifornia DMV · Undated; checked October 28, 2026
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