Adult Driving Information
Senior Drivers
The DMV has the responsibility of making sure that all of us,
regardless of our age, are safe drivers. This is a difficult task,
and if a senior driver has been told by the DMV that s/he must be
reexamined, please do not feel that this is an automatic suspension
or revocation of his/her license.
Every driver in the state of California over 70 years of age must
renew his or her license in person. Additionally, if a family
member, emergency technician, doctor or police officer request that
he or she be should re-examined, or if her/his application or
driving record warrants an evaluation, the DMV has the
responsibility to give his/her a “Reexamination” (also called a
“priority re-ex”).
As long as the senior driver is able to demonstrate an ability to
drive safely, he/she will be able to retain his/her license. There
is no ‘higher standard’ for senior drivers, but all of us can
benefit from some training. Senior drivers will need a valid
license or a Special License (we can help you obtain this) to take
driving lessons. There is no minimum number of lessons that you
must take.
The DMV (Senior) Testing Procedure
Make an appointment at the DMV so the wait is as short as possible.
Call 1-800-777-0133 to make the appointment or use the DMV website
for an online appointment.
The Vision Test
The vision exam and any update on vision prescriptions should be
completed BEFORE taking the actual vision test at the DMV. The
examiner will test the student's vision by having him/her identify
letters on a chart about 20 feet away. If the student is unable to
read the chart, the examiner will have him/her look into a machine
to further evaluate his/her vision. If you do not pass that test,
then an examination will be required through an eye doctor, and
hopefully, a new prescription. The DMV helper will give you a
DL62 which you will fill out at the eye
doctor’s office. The student will not be allowed to continue
driving if he/she cannot pass the vision test, or if she/he fail to
turn in the DL62.
The Written Test
BEFORE taking the renewal written test (this is an 18-question
test), be sure to take the Senior Driving Course offered through
the American
Association of Retired Persons (AARP). This course is
inexpensive ($10) and is invaluable in refreshing your knowledge of
basic driving skills. The nearest class can be located by
contacting the AARP through their website (www.aarp.org) or by calling
1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669). There are also some sample tests
that can be taken on the AARP site, as well as the DMV website
(www.dmv.ca.gov). The DMV test
is offered in different languages, large type, as well as an audio
and a video test. Once you pass the written test, the DMV will then
administer the Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation
(SDPE). We highly recommend taking driving lessons
before taking this test. Few drivers would pass this test without
training, even if they have “been driving for over fifty
years!”
THE SUPPLEMENTAL DRIVING PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(SDPE)
The SDPE is similar to a regular behind-the-wheel test, but the
SPDE also contains additional driving elements designed to evaluate
a person's cognitive functions. These additional driving elements
are:
Multiple Directions: You will receive two
directions at the same time. The examiner is checking to see if you
can properly follow both directions.
Additional Lane Changes: Lane changing is an
integral part of driving. Your test will evaluate this skill. Be
sure to signal, look into your mirrors, TURN your head over the
shoulder of the lane you are moving into, and maintain your speed.
Do not slow down on a lane change.
Concentration: Your examiner will talk to you
during the test so that he or she will see how you respond to
distractions. Your response is necessary.
Freeway or Highway Driving: You will be asked to
drive for a short time on the freeway, though if you do not wish to
drive on the freeway, you may request to have a “No Freeway
Driving” restriction placed on your license.
Destination Trip: Your examiner will have you
drive to a location approximately two blocks from the DMV, then ask
you to drive back to the DMV without assistance or direction. The
examiner is checking for memory lapses and disorientation. This
task is usually at the end of the driving test.
Common mistakes on a Driving Examination:
Failure to look over your shoulder when making a lane change.
Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or on a red
light.
Failure to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
Failure to evaluate an intersection before entering.
Striking an object (even a curb).
Turning into the proper lane (right to right, left to left, avoid
bike lanes until the last 200 feet of a turn).
Area Driving Performance Test
If you do not pass your SDPE and your examiner determines that you
may be able to drive safely within a clearly defined, but
restricted area, the DMV may suggest that you take an Area Driving
Test. Your Area Test would evaluate your driving in the area you
are most likely going to be driving in (to and from the store,
friends’ homes, etc.) If you pass this test and meet all the other
licensing requirements, you will be issued a restricted license that allows you to
drive in that specific area only. Other restrictions might include
‘No Freeway’ or ‘No Night Driving.’
Administrative Hearing
If the DMV makes the decision to suspend or revoke your driver
license, you have the right to request a DMV Administrative Hearing. This is an
impartial hearing where you can present your case to the DMV. This
hearing will take place at the DMV Safety Office, not the regular
DMV in your area.
If you do hear from the DMV informing you that an action will be
taken against your driving privilege, you have 10 days to request a
hearing (14 days if the action was mailed to you). Do not
procrastinate. You may lose your right to a hearing if you fail to
respond within this timeframe.
If you feel the Administrative Hearing was unfair, you may request
a departmental review to appeal the decision. Usually, there is no
fee for the departmental review, though if you want a court review,
you will be responsible for the expenses. You may have an attorney
present (at your expense) at the hearing. You may testify in your
own defense or ask others to testify as witnesses.
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PLEASE NOTE . . .
When paying for packages of more than one lesson, payment is due on
or before the first lesson unless other arrangements have been made
with the school office. Otherwise, you will be charged a
non-package rate of one lesson at a time, which is a higher
rate.
There is a $30.00 charge for each returned check or unpaid/overdue
balance. In the event you must cancel a lesson, it must be done by
2PM the day before the lesson, during regular business hours, or
you will be charged a fee of $30. (If your lesson is on a Monday,
your cancellation must be made by 2PM on Saturday, as we are closed
on Sunday).
When requesting Standard Transmission (Stick Shift) Lessons, be
aware that you will not be taught basic driving skills. You should
already know how to operate a vehicle.
Basic skills can be taught on an automatic transmission vehicle
before continuing to the standard transmission vehicle. All stick
shift lessons begin and end at the Westwood Driving School
office.
Requests for “No Back-to-Back” and "Own Car" services will be
charged at $30 extra per service. All cancellations must be
confirmed with the office by 2PM the day before any scheduled
lesson, or a $30 cancellation fee will be charged.
Do you have any questions? Please feel free to Contact Us.