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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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jun 21, 2023
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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: Jun 21, 2023
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.
On This Page
- 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
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 |
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.
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 and CA driver’s license age requirements for senior drivers.
Senior Driver’s License Renewal 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. However, due to COVID-19, there is an exception for senior driver’s license renewal in California. Currently, the DMV in California allows eligible senior drivers to renew online instead of in person.
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 the test done at the DMV or get a Report of Vision Examination within six months from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
- Written test. Senior drivers must complete a multiple-choice, 18-question test at the time of renewal. Drivers have three chances to pass and can get up to three questions wrong.
- Possible road test. If there are concerns about a senior driver’s ability to drive safely, the DMV may require the driver to pass a road test.
If a senior driver meets all the license renewal 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
Suppose the DMV has reason to believe a driver no longer can drive safely, which has nothing to do with a California driving age maximum but rather serious health or mental issues. In that case, the DMV may restrict a senior driver’s license. Often, the DMV 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 driving test, 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.
The Final Word on California Driving Laws for Seniors
CA driving rules don’t include any specific laws for senior driving and license renewal other than requiring senior drivers to come in person to renew their driver’s license and complete a vision and written test. 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.
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. The renewal requirements for a driver’s license in California are the same for all drivers, regardless of 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. Once a driver reaches the age of 70, they must renew their driver’s license in person and take a vision test during the renewal process. Additionally, the DMV may require a written or driving test 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 healthcare provider request a driver’s license reevaluation for a senior driver in California?
Yes, family members, healthcare 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 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.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto 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.