Adult Driving Information
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 you have been told by the DMV that you are to be reexamined,
please do not feel that this is an automatic suspension or
revocation of your 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
you are re-examined, or if your application or driving record
warrants an evaluation, the DMV has the responsibility to give you
a “Reexamination” (also called a “priority re-ex”).
As long as you take this reexamination process seriously and you
are able to demonstrate an ability to drive safely, you will be
able to retain your license. There is no ‘higher standard’ for
senior drivers, but most adult drivers would not be able to pass a
driving test using their usual driving techniques: all of us can
benefit from some training. Certainly, if it has been more than a
decade since your last driving course, it is important that you
take the time to re-learn to be a safe driver. You 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 (Adult) Testing Procedure
Make an appointment at the DMV so that your 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
Be sure to get your eyes checked before your test, and update any
vision prescriptions BEFORE taking your vision test at the DMV! The
examiner will test your vision by having you identify letters on a
chart about 20 feet away from you. If you are unable to read that
chart, the examiner will have you look into a machine to further
evaluate your vision. If you do not pass that test, then an
examination will be required by your vision 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. You will not be allowed to continue driving if you
cannot pass the vision test, or if you fail to turn in the
DL62.
The Written Test
First of all, BEFORE taking your 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.
You can locate the nearest class 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
you can take on the AARP site, as well as the DMV website
(www.dmv.ca.gov). Take these
tests, and on the day that you go to the DMV bring the required
documents as well as your glasses. 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 that you take 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
your 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.