California Driver License: Driver Safety and Seniors

15 questions with the correct answer and an explanation for each. Topic: Driver Safety and Seniors. Free, no account needed.

1. A driver wants an honest read on whether their skills have slipped, before it becomes a problem. What is a good way to do this?

Wait until the next renewal and let the vision test reveal any problem
Ask a trusted licensed driver to ride along and point out risky habits
Ask a passenger who does not drive to judge their reaction times
Rely on DMV to schedule a reexamination automatically at a certain age

Answer: B — Ask a trusted licensed driver to ride along and point out risky habits

Asking a trusted licensed driver to ride along, note dangerous habits, and suggest improvements is the recommended self-check.

2. DMV is deciding whether to open a reexamination file on a driver who has no recent violations. Which of these, on its own, is a valid basis for that decision?

A single minor parking complaint from a neighbor
The driver's many years of driving experience
A physical or mental condition affecting the driver's ability
The driver reaching a certain age

Answer: C — A physical or mental condition affecting the driver's ability

Reexamination is based on a physical or mental condition or a poor driving record, never age.

3. A driver's adult child is worried the parent has become unsafe due to a new medical diagnosis. Who can formally refer the driver for a DMV reexamination using the official request form?

Only a law enforcement officer who witnessed unsafe driving
Only the driver's treating physician
Any neighbor who has observed the driver's habits
A physician, a law enforcement officer, or a family member

Answer: D — A physician, a law enforcement officer, or a family member

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

4. A driver receives a diagnosis of even mild cognitive impairment. What does this typically trigger?

No action is taken unless the driver is later involved in a crash
The driver is automatically limited to daytime, local driving
Driver Safety schedules a reexamination
The license is immediately and permanently revoked with no review

Answer: C — Driver Safety schedules a reexamination

A referral or diagnosis of even mild cognitive impairment leads Driver Safety to schedule a reexamination.

5. A driver is handed a Notice of Priority Reexamination with the top box checked. What happens if the driver does not contact DMV within five working days?

The reexamination is simply postponed until the next renewal
The driving privilege is automatically suspended
The officer issues a citation instead of a DMV referral
The driver receives a warning letter with no other consequence

Answer: B — The driving privilege is automatically suspended

Failing to contact DMV within five working days of a priority reexamination notice results in automatic suspension.

6. A driver in their late 70s with a clean record and no medical conditions asks whether DMV can restrict the license just because of age. What's true here?

Age itself is sufficient grounds for a freeway restriction
No restriction can rest on age alone; it must be based on a condition and be reasonable and necessary for safety
Restrictions are only used for teen or provisional drivers, not seniors
Drivers over 65 automatically receive a night-driving restriction

Answer: B — No restriction can rest on age alone; it must be based on a condition and be reasonable and necessary for safety

Restrictions must be reasonable and necessary for safety, and rest on a condition, never on age; there are no restrictions specific to seniors.

7. A driver has limited hand strength and needs an accommodation to keep driving safely. Which of these is the kind of restriction DMV can place on a license for this?

Prohibiting the driver from carrying passengers under 18
Requiring a licensed co-signer to ride along at all times
Capping the number of miles the driver may drive each year
Requiring mechanical devices such as hand controls

Answer: D — Requiring mechanical devices such as hand controls

Restrictions can require mechanical devices such as hand controls to keep a driver within their ability.

8. Which of these is a warning sign that a senior driver may no longer be safe behind the wheel?

Choosing well-lit routes for necessary night trips
Adding a right-side mirror to the car
Keeping trips short and sticking to essential errands
Getting lost in places the driver knows well

Answer: D — Getting lost in places the driver knows well

Getting lost in familiar places is listed as a warning sign of an unsafe driver; the other options are recommended safety adaptations, not warning signs.

9. A senior driver wants to reduce risk while continuing to drive, rather than give up the license. Which of these fits the recommended approach?

Keep taking long trips to stay in practice behind the wheel
Drive mainly at night, when traffic is lightest
Drive when traffic is light and avoid difficult intersections
Take on freeway driving regularly to stay practiced

Answer: C — Drive when traffic is light and avoid difficult intersections

Senior drivers may choose to drive when traffic is light and avoid difficult intersections; the same list says to keep trips short and essential, avoid freeways, and limit or avoid night driving.

10. A driver turning 71 is due to renew their license. What does the handbook require at that age?

Passing a full behind-the-wheel driving test every time
Completing the renewal entirely by mail
Renewing in person and passing a vision test
Submitting a letter of medical clearance from a physician

Answer: C — Renewing in person and passing a vision test

Renewal at 70 or older requires renewing in person and passing a vision test, and sometimes other tests.

11. About how far ahead of a license's expiration date does DMV typically mail a renewal notice?

30 days
6 months
90 days
2 weeks

Answer: C — 90 days

DMV mails a renewal notice about 90 days before expiry.

12. A driver's progressive dementia has advanced to the point where safe driving is no longer possible, but the driver resists giving up the keys. Who does it often fall to, to intervene and arrange other transportation?

Only immediate family members, by law
The driver's auto insurance company
Caregivers, physicians and law enforcement
Only the Community Liaison and Outreach office

Answer: C — Caregivers, physicians and law enforcement

It often falls to caregivers, physicians and law enforcement to stop a driver whose progressive dementia has ended safe driving.

13. A senior driver facing a reexamination wants someone to help ensure fair treatment during the process. What is true of DMV's Community Liaison and Outreach?

It has authority to overturn a Driver Safety suspension decision
It only assists drivers who are also licensed driving instructors
It can serve as the driver's legal representative at a reexamination hearing
It acts as a go-between for fair, dignified treatment but cannot represent the driver at a hearing or reexamination

Answer: D — It acts as a go-between for fair, dignified treatment but cannot represent the driver at a hearing or reexamination

The Community Liaison and Outreach acts as a go-between so drivers are treated fairly and with dignity, but cannot represent them at a hearing or reexamination.

14. A 60-year-old driver completes a course aimed at older drivers, hoping for an insurance discount. What are the basic terms of that program?

A one-time two-hour course with no minimum age
An eight-hour course for drivers 55 and older, with a certificate valid for three years
A four-hour course required only for drivers 70 and older
A twelve-hour course that replaces the DMV renewal knowledge test

Answer: B — An eight-hour course for drivers 55 and older, with a certificate valid for three years

The Mature Driver Improvement Program is an eight-hour course for drivers 55 and older, with a completion certificate valid for three years.

15. At what age does a driver qualify for a no-fee Senior ID card?

65 or older
62 or older
70 or older
55 or older

Answer: B — 62 or older

Drivers 62 or older qualify for a no-fee Senior ID card.