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California driving lesson · Driver Fitness & Seniors

Reexamination & license restrictions

A 3-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Driver Fitness & Seniors
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
86, 87

Every driver eventually needs to assess their own skills. DMV can reexamine any driver whose condition or record raises safety concerns, and it bases restrictions on ability, never on age alone.

Know the rule

If you are concerned about your driving, ask a trusted licensed driver to ride along and note dangerous behaviors, or consider professional lessons or classes.

Handbook p. 86 ↗

Know the rule

DMV may investigate and reexamine any driver. A physical or mental condition or a poor driving record can be the basis for reexamination, not a driver's age.

Handbook p. 86 ↗

Know the rule

A physician, law enforcement, or a family member can refer a driver by submitting a Request for Driver Reexamination (DS 699).

Handbook p. 86 ↗

Cognitive and other disorders that challenge safe driving:

  • Dementia
  • Seizure disorder
  • Brain tumor
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Stroke
  • Vertigo
Handbook p. 86 ↗

Know the rule

When DMV receives a referral or diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, the Driver Safety team will schedule a reexamination.

Handbook p. 86 ↗

After a referral, DMV may:

  • Request medical information from you or your physician
  • Reexamine you in person or over the telephone
  • Require knowledge, vision, or driving test(s)
  • Issue a limited term driver's license
  • Immediately suspend or revoke if your condition is an immediate threat to public safety
  • Take no action
Handbook p. 86 ↗
5 working days

Contact DMV after receiving a Notice of Priority Reexamination, or be automatically suspended

Handbook p. 87 ↗

Know the rule

A Notice of Priority Reexamination comes from law enforcement with a check mark in the top box. Read it carefully.

Handbook p. 87 ↗

License restrictions may include:

  • Special mechanical devices on the vehicle, such as hand controls
  • Limits on when and where you drive, such as no night or freeway driving
  • Eyeglasses or corrective contact lenses
  • Additional devices, such as outside mirrors
Handbook p. 87 ↗

Know the rule

There are no specific restrictions for seniors. All restrictions are based on conditions, not age, and on the examiner's findings.

Handbook p. 87 ↗

Put it into practice

After a traffic stop, an officer hands an 80-year-old driver a Notice of Priority Reexamination with the top box checked. He must contact DMV within five working days, or his driving privilege is suspended automatically.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What can be the basis for a DMV driver reexamination?
  1. Turning 65
  2. A physical or mental condition
  3. Missing a renewal notice
  4. Turning 70

Answer: A physical or mental condition

A physical or mental condition or a poor driving record can be the basis for reexamination, not age.

Handbook p. 86 ↗
Which form is used to ask DMV to reexamine a driver?
  1. Report of Vision Examination (DL 62)
  2. Request for Driver Reexamination (DS 699)
  3. Report of Traffic Accident (SR 1)
  4. Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22)

Answer: Request for Driver Reexamination (DS 699)

A physician, law enforcement, family member, or anyone concerned can submit a Request for Driver Reexamination (DS 699).

Handbook p. 86 ↗
Which of these is a cognitive disorder listed as a challenge to safe driving?
  1. Diabetes
  2. Dementia
  3. Hearing loss
  4. Color blindness

Answer: Dementia

Cognitive disorders such as dementia, seizure disorder, brain tumor, Parkinson's, stroke, or vertigo are listed as challenges to safe driving.

Handbook p. 86 ↗
What action can DMV take if a physical or mental condition presents an immediate threat to public safety?
  1. Wait until a hearing is held
  2. Issue a written warning
  3. Suspend or revoke it immediately
  4. Require a new vision test

Answer: Suspend or revoke it immediately

DMV may immediately suspend or revoke driving privileges if a condition presents an immediate threat to public safety.

Handbook p. 86 ↗
How many working days do you have to contact DMV after receiving a Notice of Priority Reexamination?
  1. Ten working days
  2. Thirty calendar days
  3. Two working days
  4. Five working days

Answer: Five working days

You have five working days to contact DMV after a Notice of Priority Reexamination or your privilege is automatically suspended.

Handbook p. 87 ↗
Are license restrictions for seniors based specifically on age?
  1. Yes, all drivers 70+ get automatic restrictions
  2. No, they're based on conditions, not age
  3. Yes, but only for drivers over 80
  4. Yes, restrictions apply at every renewal after 65

Answer: No, they're based on conditions, not age

The handbook states there are no specific restrictions for seniors; all restrictions are based on conditions, not age.

Handbook p. 87 ↗
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