There was quite a bit of reader “road rage” over our recent column discussing the Department of Motor Vehicles knowledge test required for drivers 70 and older.
Older readers shared their observations and concerns about the test in letters to On the Road. Many said they’d never had an accident or a ticket and questioned why the DMV didn’t test their driving skills instead. Some said they struggled to pass the test and had difficulty using the computers.
RELATED: Why does the California DMV require those over 70 to pass a test every five years?
To address readers’ concerns, we’ll be devoting our next three columns to help inform older drivers and provide resources. In this column, we’ll share some readers’ thoughts and suggestions. The second column will focus on the DMV test and the third will offer resources for older drivers.
Upland resident Richard Kee shared some wise advice following his recent experience renewing his license, after passing the test on his third try.
“Today’s DMV test focuses not so much on driving but rather the new California environment we all may drive in: green bicycle lanes, traffic circles, streetcar safety zones, pedestrian right-a-ways, etc.,” he wrote. “The online tests don’t help that much. You gotta study the darn handbook in detail to pass today’s license renewal test. And don’t be discouraged, you can fail three times before you have to pay another driver’s registration fee in order to keep taking the test until you do pass.”
Anyone 70 and older who wants to renew their license must pass a knowledge test and an eye exam every five years. This requirement has been in place since 1978 but was temporarily suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when most older residents could renew online without the test and avoid going to the DMV in person. That waiver expired in December.
Darryl Craft, an 85-year-old Beaumont resident, said he recently took the DMV written knowledge test for the fifth time. He said testing an older person’s driving skills would better promote safety.
“The test, at a minimum, should check the senior driver’s reaction time, attention span, calmness in traffic congestion, and related driving skills,” Craft said.
Kathy Julian, of Ventura, agreed.
“Instead of us walking nervously into the DMV, wondering if our memories will indeed serve us for the approaching written test, we should be climbing in behind the wheel, prepared to show the inspector our stuff!”
Julian also suggested that the DMV could offer a special, restricted, license allowing older drivers to drive short distances only.
We asked the DMV about this and here is the emailed response from spokesperson Chris Orrock: “Regarding your reader’s suggestion about the DMV placing driving restrictions on senior DLs, the DMV does have the ability to do so. Restrictions can include no freeway driving, no nighttime driving, and driving a vehicle with an additional right side mirror. The DMV can also place DL restrictions based on information shared by a family member, physician, or law enforcement. If a person is reported to the DMV as a potentially unsafe driver and a driving examiner determines that restrictions are needed based on a driving test, vision test, and individual circumstances, the DMV can place such restrictions.”
Mary Grant, a 72-year-old San Bernardino resident, said the concern should be more focused on reckless drivers who weave in and out of traffic, tailgate, run red lights, drive on the wrong side of the road and drive without a license.
Steve Schwartz, of Temecula, agreed.
“I am more concerned with all the vehicles that don’t have headlights, tail lights or signal lights. I am more concerned with folks who don’t signal or run red lights.”
Barbara Murrell agreed and said all drivers should have to take the knowledge test every five years.
“Why is it OK to test seniors and not everyone? Do younger people know the updated rules?” she asked.
Finally, Linda Grijalva of Phelan, which is north of Wrightwood, highlighted that many seniors badly need their license, especially those living in rural areas who don’t have family nearby or whose communities lack public transportation.
“Most seniors only drive short distances from their homes and don’t drive at night, plus they don’t have anyone else to drive them around or help them out.”
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call 951-368-9670.
