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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2023 11 By Tim Jahns, Resident When you reach your 70th birthday, the California DMV has a special task for you. Buckle up. Drivers over 70 must complete certain steps including a "knowledge test" before their next license renewal. at test is done in combination with a vision exam, new photo, and paying the renewal fee. e vision exam and photo must be done at the DMV office. Until recently, the knowledge test had only one option — to correctly answer a batch of questions presented either on a computer screen at the DMV or in print. is test is based on material in the DMV booklet dealing with laws and rules of the road, a booklet of 90-plus pages and considerable detail to memorize. If you fail the test, you have two more tries at it. As an alternative, you can choose the "MVProctor" test that is done online with a DMV proctor monitoring you as you proceed through the test. Now, there's another option that is highly recommended for those who have Internet access and basic computer skills. is is the online process known as eLearning on the DMV website. It consists of several sections (modules) of information organized like book chapters. At the end of each section there is a short quiz based on the material you've just read. Unlike the "knowledge test" at the DMV, eLearning is not pass/fail and therefore quicker and less stressful than studying the DMV booklet for hours before taking the knowledge test in person. e eLearning process requires roughly 45 minutes to an hour. When you receive the license renewal notice with a testing requirement, it's best to create an account on the DMV website. en go to the section for license renewal, choose the knowledge test (for in-person testing at the DMV) or eLearning option and pay your renewal fee. You can schedule your DMV appointment for vision test and photo as well as the knowledge test, if you prefer that in-person testing and want to pay at the DMV. Scheduling can also be done by phone. It's advisable to schedule an appointment well in advance, since the DMV is booked weeks ahead and walking in without an appointment means a longer wait. You don't want to go past your license expiration date. (Luckily, it's still possible to get a temporary license extension at the DMV.) Once you complete the modules online, a visit to the DMV will finish this little adventure, giving you a valid license for another five years. Be aware that the DMV in Hemet has a small parking lot, almost always full, and the main room there is typically jammed with people. One more little tip: e DMV has Senior Ombudsmen listed on the website with direct phone numbers. ose folks are very helpful. DMV License Renewal for Those Over 70