In California, there are over 9 million drivers who are 55 years and older. Out of those, around 2.9 million are 70 or older. While all drivers in the state follow the same general rules, the California DMV has a few extra rules for senior drivers to help keep roads safe for everyone.
Let’s break down everything you need to know if you’re an older driver—or caring for one—in California.
License Renewal Rules for Seniors in California
Who Needs to Renew in Person?
If you’re 70 or older, you must renew your driver’s license in person every five years. You cannot do it online or by mail.
What Happens at the DMV During Renewal?
At each renewal, you’ll be required to:
- Take a vision test – You can do this for free at the DMV, or get it done by your eye doctor. If you choose your own doctor, make sure the test is done within six months before you renew, and they must complete a vision report form.
- Take a written test – This checks your knowledge of basic traffic laws.
- Take a driving test – Only if there are concerns about your driving. This might be because of a report from a doctor, police officer, or even a family member.
When the DMV Might Restrict a License
As we age, physical and mental changes can make driving more challenging. If the DMV finds that a senior driver is having trouble, they might give them a restricted license instead of taking it away.
Some common restrictions include:
- Must wear glasses or contact lenses
- No driving at night
- No driving on highways or freeways
- No driving during certain hours, like rush hour
- Must use extra mirrors or seat supports
- Allowed to drive only within certain areas
- Must wear special vision lenses, like bioptic telescopic glasses
How to Report an Unsafe Driver in California
Anyone—family, doctors, police officers, or even courts—can ask the DMV to check if someone is still safe to drive. You can’t report someone anonymously, but your name can be kept private.
There are two ways to file a concern:
- Write a letter explaining why you’re worried, and send it to the local DMV Driver Safety Office.
- Fill out a form called the Request for Driver Reexamination and submit it to the DMV.
Mandatory Reporting for Doctors
In California, doctors must report if a person has a condition that affects their ability to drive. This includes:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Conditions that cause blackouts or loss of awareness
Doctors report this to the local health department, and they send the report to the DMV. The DMV may then ask the person to retake driving tests or may even take away their license, depending on the situation.
Driving Improvement Programs for Seniors
California offers Mature Driver Improvement Courses for seniors who want to stay safe and sharp behind the wheel. These programs can also sometimes help lower car insurance rates.
How to Get a License Reinstated
If your license has been suspended or revoked, contact your local DMV Driver Safety Office. They’ll guide you through what you need to do to get your license back.
Parking Placards and Plates for Disabled Drivers
If you have trouble walking, standing, or other physical issues, you may be able to get a disabled parking placard or license plate.
Common reasons include:
- Serious heart, lung, or mobility problems
- Vision problems or blindness
- Loss of use of legs, feet, or hands
Who Can Approve Your Application?
Your application needs to be signed by a medical professional, such as:
- Doctor
- Surgeon
- Chiropractor (for foot/leg issues)
- Optometrist (for vision issues)
- Nurse practitioner or physician assistant
If you’ve lost both hands or a foot, you don’t need medical approval.
How to Apply
- Fill out the form called Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195).
- Get a medical professional to complete the doctor’s section.
- Pay a $6 fee for temporary placards. Permanent placards and plates are free.
- Submit the form online or mail it to the DMV.
Permanent placards must be renewed every two years, but this can be done easily online or by mail.
Help from the DMV Senior Ombudsman Program
The DMV has special staff called Senior Ombudsmen who help make sure older drivers are treated fairly. They can help if you have questions, face problems with the DMV, or want more info about staying safe on the road.
You can contact the ombudsman in your area by phone:
- Sacramento/Northern California: 916-657-6464
- San Francisco/Oakland: 510-563-8998
- Southern California (Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego): 714-705-1588
- Los Angeles/Oxnard: 310-615-3552
California wants to help senior drivers stay on the road safely for as long as possible. With regular checkups, license renewals, and helpful programs, older adults can continue to drive confidently and responsibly. But if there are any concerns, the DMV can place restrictions or require more testing to keep everyone safe.
Always stay informed about changes to the rules, and if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local DMV or ombudsman for help.
