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 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 for the drive test. Call 1-800-777-0133 to make the appointment or use the DMV website for an online appointment. If you have lost your license and the Safety Office has issued you a Special Permit, you may need a letter from us before the DMV will schedule a test for you. We can give you a letter after you get a good evaluation for a good lesson. We don’t know how many lessons it may take to get a good evaluation, it is all up to you.

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 time frame.

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.

Adult Drivers

DMV SERVICE

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 $50. (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 South Bay Driving School office.

Do you have any questions? Please feel free to Contact Us.