Yes. DMV can reexamine a driver when information suggests they do not have the knowledge and/or skill necessary to drive safely. Such reexaminations are based on information DMV receives from peace officers, physicians, family members, relatives, acquaintances, or other persons that share specific observations about the person’s ability to drive safely. Information about the age of the individual is not considered relevant, nor will DMV reexamine a driver solely on the basis of their age.

No, a person’s age is not a sufficient reason for reexamination.

At a reexamination, a Driver Safety Hearing Officer may ask you a wide range of questions about your driving history and about specific incidents on your driving record, your health and medical history, and the rules of the road and how you would handle specific driving situations. You may be asked to provide medical reports from your physician, medical records, or similar documents. All information concerning your health and medical history are confidential by law, and DMV cannot share this information with anyone else.

The Driver Safety Hearing Officer may require you to submit to a vision test, a written test of your knowledge of the rules of the road, and a drive test. If a drive test is required, you will be scheduled for a separate drive test appointment. When taking a drive test, you must provide the vehicle you will use to drive for the test and present acceptable proof that you have financial responsibility (FR) (insurance) in effect at the time of the drive test.

After the reexamination, the Driver Safety Hearing Officer decides whether any action should be taken against the person’s driving privilege in the interest of public safety. If DMV does decide to take an action, the action may be a restriction, probation, suspension, or revocation of the driving privilege. The driver is notified in writing of the action and usually would have the right to a hearing to contest the action if they believe it is unjustified.

If you do not appear for the reexamination as scheduled, your driving privilege will be suspended as stated by law (CVC §13801) until such time as you do appear and complete the reexamination. You may not send another person to take the test in your place, but you can have someone come with you to the reexamination if you wish.

It depends on several factors. Generally, the length of such a suspension or revocation is indefinite. However, DMV may consider reinstating your driving privilege under various circumstances. If the suspension is due to a medical condition or disorder, DMV will consider reinstatement of your driving privilege when you are able to show that the condition or disorder has been controlled, and is no longer a potential threat to your ability to drive safely. If the condition will not change (such as partial paralysis or vision loss from a stroke), you may be able to show that you have learned to compensate for the condition, which would allow DMV to consider reinstatement.