California Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

More than one-third of California's nearly 28 million drivers are over age 55, including more than 3.3 million who are 70 or older. While older drivers tend to be safer than their younger counterparts, they're also more vulnerable to serious injury and fatality in crashes—especially after age 75.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) enforces regulations for drivers of all ages, but the state imposes special requirements and restrictions for older drivers. These rules are designed to identify drivers who might have become unsafe behind the wheel.

Read on to learn at what age seniors have to take a driving test in California, what other special requirements apply to older drivers, and how your driving record affects license renewal.

California License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

California drivers—including seniors—must renew their licenses every five years. You can renew your license up to 90 days before the expiration date and as late as 12 months after. While this renewal timeline applies to all adults, drivers aged 70 and older must follow some additional rules.

California Requires Some Seniors to Renew Licenses in Person

The state allows most drivers to renew their licenses using the online services, by mail, or in person. But drivers 70 and older must complete license renewal in person at a DMV office. (Cal. Veh. Code § 12814.4.)

You can find the nearest DMV office using the online field office locator tool.

Do Older Drivers Need a Vision Test to Renew a License in California?

California requires vision testing at all in-person license renewals, so drivers 70 and older must pass a vision test to renew their licenses. DMV personnel will conduct the test for free.

Drivers can also choose to have an exam by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist within six months of the renewal request. The eye doctor must complete a Report of Vision Examination (Form DL 62). Drivers who fail the in-person DMV vision screening must also see their eye doctor and submit this form to renew their licenses.

Do Seniors Have to Take a Written Test in California to Renew Their Licenses?

Until 2024, California required all drivers aged 70 and older to take a written knowledge test at license renewal. That's no longer the case. Now, regardless of age, you only need to take a written test if you have recent traffic violations or accidents on your record.

Drivers with points on their record can meet the testing requirement by completing the DMV's interactive eLearning course, available in English, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese (with audio in Mandarin). You can complete this pass-only, no-fail course using a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

At What Age Do Seniors Have to Take a Driving Test in California?

In some states, drivers are required to take a road test when they reach a certain age. In California, however, age alone doesn't trigger a driving test.

Instead, whether you have to take a driving test depends on your driving history and whether the DMV has received a report indicating possible driver impairment from law enforcement, your doctor, or a family member. (Cal. Veh. Code § 13800-13802.)

Some older drivers required to take a driving test might also need to pass a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE) if they have a mental or physical condition that could affect their driving. The SDPE includes extra challenges, like having to make more lane changes or getting several instructions at once, to better assess your ability to drive safely.

How to Renew Your California Driver's License as a Senior

If you're under 70, you can renew your license online. You'll need to create an account if you don't already have one. Once logged in, follow the instructions to step through the process. Pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Save or print your receipt.

If you're 70 or older, you must renew your license in person at a DMV office. To renew in person, take the following steps:

• Start the renewal application online to save time at the DMV office.
• If you start your application online, pay the license renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
• Make an appointment to visit a DMV office near you.
• Visit the DMV.
• If you didn't fill out the online form, complete a paper renewal application and pay the renewal fee.
• Check in and have your application, identity, and any other required documents verified.
• Take the vision test.
• Take any additional tests (if required).
• Have a new license photo taken.
• Receive a temporary driver's license.

Whether you renew online or in person, you should receive your new driver's license in the mail in about two weeks.

License Restrictions and Unsafe Driver Reports in California

Aging can bring physical and mental changes that affect driving abilities, but many seniors remain safe drivers well into their later years. To help ensure safety on the road, the DMV might conduct an unsafe driver investigation and/or issue a restricted driver's license based on:

• a medical condition
• concerns reported by someone who knows you, or
• after an accident.

Possible License Restrictions for Older Drivers in California

The DMV can place restrictions or conditions on a driver's license based on the individual's abilities to help ensure safe vehicle operation. (Cal. Veh. Code § 12813.)

The most common restriction for older drivers is the requirement to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) while driving. In California, other common requirements the DMV can impose on older drivers include:

• no freeway driving
• no nighttime driving
• other time of day restrictions—for example, no driving during rush hour
• an extra right-side mirror on a vehicle
• lumbar support for proper driving position
• geographic area restrictions, and
• wearing bioptic telescopic lenses when driving.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in California

The California DMV will accept an unsafe driver report, called a driver reexamination request, from anyone with concerns based on direct knowledge or personal observations, including:

• the courts
• the police
• other states' DMVs, and
• family members.

There are two ways to request that the DMV review someone's driving qualifications:

• Write a letter identifying the driver who's causing the concern, giving specific reasons for making the report, and mail it to your local Driver Safety Office.
• Complete a Request for Driver Reexamination (Form DS 699) and email it to [email protected] or mail it or take it to one of the DMV Driver Safety Office locations listed on the form.

While the DMV doesn't accept anonymous unsafe driver reports, you can request that your name be kept confidential. Under California law, the DMV must honor that confidentiality request "to the fullest extent possible." (Cal. Veh. Code § 1808.5.)

When Doctors Must Report Older Drivers' Medical Conditions

California is one of the few states that require doctors to report diagnoses such as lapses of consciousness, Alzheimer's disease, or other conditions likely to impair driving to the local health department, which then forwards the report to the DMV. (Cal. Health & Safety Code §â€¯103900.)

After receiving such a report, the DMV has the discretion to investigate the driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; to require a driving test; or to suspend or revoke the driver's license.

California Driver Improvement Programs for Seniors

For older drivers in California, taking a driver education and training class designed just for drivers 55 and older can help improve their abilities and confidence behind the wheel. The DMV offers a list of state-approved Mature Driver Improvement Programs.

Completing an approved program not only sharpens your driving skills but can also qualify you for a discount on your car insurance. Insurance companies are required by law to offer these discounts to drivers who finish a mature driver course. (Cal. Ins. Code § 11628.3.)

How to Get a Driver's License Reinstated in California

For information on how to get back a California driver's license that has been suspended or revoked, contact your local DMV Driver Safety Office.

How Seniors Can Apply for and Renew Disabled Parking Placards or Plates

California issues disabled person parking placards and license plates to individuals with certain medical conditions certified by a licensed medical professional. The DMV issues blue "permanent" placards to those with permanent disabilities and red placards to those with temporary disabilities. You must have a permanent impairment to get disabled plates.

When Must Seniors Renew Disabled Parking Placards and Plates?

California requires everyone with a permanent disability parking placard to renew it every two years—specifically, on June 30th in odd years (2025, 2027, 2029, and so on). But you can renew your placard by submitting your signature online or through the mail.

Temporary placards are valid for up to 180 days (6 months) and can be renewed up to six times. Disabled person license plates must be renewed annually, the same as other plates.

California issues non-renewable 30-day travel parking placards for residents with permanent placards or plates who are visiting other states. The DMV also issues travel placards valid for up to 90 days for out-of-state residents visiting California. Travel placards can't be renewed.

Who Qualifies for Disabled Person Parking in California?

Disabled person placards and license plates are available for those who have:

• mobility problems
• severe heart or circulatory diseases
• severe lung diseases
• a diagnosed disease or disorder that significantly limits the use of the legs and feet
• specific visual problems, including low vision or partial sight, or
• loss, or loss of use, of one or both legs and feet or both hands (Cal. Veh. Code § 295.5.)

Disabled veterans with a 100% disability rating can qualify for special disabled veteran license plates. Learn more about who qualifies and how to apply for disabled veteran plates.

Disabled Parking Certification Requirements for California Seniors

To qualify for a disabled person parking placard or license plates, your condition must be certified by one of the following licensed medical professionals:

• a physician (MD or DO)
• a surgeon
• a physician's assistant
• a nurse practitioner, or
• a certified nurse-midwife.

In addition, the following medical professionals can certify the need for accessible parking for certain types of disabilities:

• a licensed chiropractor for the loss or loss of use of one or both feet
• a licensed optometrist for visual conditions, including low vision or blindness, and
• a licensed podiatrist for foot or ankle disabilities.

You don't need a medical certification if you have lost both hands or a foot and apply for your parking placard or plates at a DMV office.

How to Apply for a Handicapped Placard or Plates in California

To get a temporary or permanent disabled person parking placard or license plates in California, take the following steps:

• Complete and sign the applicant's portion (Sections 1-4) of an Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (Form REG 195).
• Have a licensed medical professional complete and sign the Doctor's Certification portion of the application (Sections 5, 6, and 6A).
• Include a fee of $6 for a temporary parking placard; permanent disabled person placards and license plates are free.
• Mail the original application to the address on the form or submit the form online.

Disabled Person Parking Privileges in California

A valid disabled person placard, license plates, or disabled veteran plates allows you to park in spaces marked with the International Symbol of Access and in disabled parking areas with blue curbs. You can also park in areas requiring a resident or merchant permit.

Your parking placard or plates also allow you to park at metered spaces without paying, and at green curbs without time limits. And service stations must refuel your vehicle at self-service rates (unless only one employee is on duty).

California Ombudsman Program for Senior Drivers

The California DMV has a Senior Ombudsman Program that helps older adults continue driving for as long as they can do so safely.

The ombudsmen, located in several offices throughout the state, can help ensure that senior drivers are treated fairly and respectfully, and consistently with laws and regulations. They can assist in individual cases and also conduct outreach seminars to groups aimed at promoting driver safety for seniors.

DMV Senior Ombudsmen are available at the following locations:

• Sacramento, Northern California: 916-657-6464
• San Francisco, Oakland: 510-563-8998
• Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego: 714-705-1588
• Los Angeles, Oxnard: 310-615-3552

The DMV also operates a Community Liaison and Outreach Program that helps older adult drivers. The liaison acts as a go-between to ensure drivers receive fair treatment, according to laws and regulations, and with respect. While they can't represent you in DMV hearings or reexaminations, they can provide helpful information and resources.

To learn more or speak with a liaison, call 833-493-0675.

Learn More About California Driving Rules for Seniors

The DMV website offers a wealth of resources for California drivers, including the California Driver's Handbook, which you can read online or download in English, Spanish, and five other languages. There's even a video version in American Sign Language.

Also of special interest is the Senior Driver's Guide, which includes advice on recognizing and assessing vision, cognitive impairments, and other conditions that can affect driving.