Renewing California Drivers' License -Retake written test?!?
Hi all
I am renewing my California Drivers' License in person (i.e. not by mail). Would DMV make me retake the written test on the spot?! I am in my late 20s..no points. Just wondering if I need to study ahead of time before going to DMV..
Thanks for everyone's advise.
2010-06-09T05:36:12Z
Thanks for all your help. I am choosing to renew in person because I will be going out of the country for half a year, and the expiry of my license lapses within the 6 months that I will be gone. I have not received my renewal notice..and I have recently moved to a new apt (so I won't be able to renew online)..all these reasons are bringing me to the DMV appointment next week.
I am only worried that I need to retake a written test in prompt to... From everyone's advise, I still can't get a feel how DMV in California decides whether one needs to retake the written test for license renewal. Quite perplexing..
Thanks for all your help in advance!
oklatom2010-06-13T17:20:41Z
Favorite Answer
Probably not.
How to renew your driver license in person If you already have a California license and you want to renew, you will need to:
•Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service) •Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44 or DL 44C) or Commercial Driver License Application form (DL 44C). (An original DL 44 or DL 44C form must be submitted.) A DL 44 or DL 44C form can be requested by calling 1-800-777-0133. Copies will not be accepted OR bring in the DMV renewal notice mailed to you (Cross out any old information on the renewal notice and write in the current information). •Commercial Driver License holders only: If renewing in person complete a 10 Year History Record Check form (DL 939) or the Driver License Ten Year History Record Check renewal form (DL 10Y) if you have been issued a driver license in the same or different name to operate any type of motor vehicle in another state or other jurisdiction within the previous ten years. Submit the DL 939 with your Commercial Driver License Application (DL 44C) or the DL 10Y renewal application. •Commercial Driver License holders only: Medical Certificate Card (DL 51A), if required. •Give a thumb print. •Have your picture taken. •Pay the application fee. •Pass an vision exam. •Look at your renewal notice. It will tell you if you need to take a written test. If you must take a test, it will include traffic laws and sign test. You will only need to answer the first 18 questions of the 36 question exam. A passing score is at least 15 correct answers. You have three chances to pass. •Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect. Note:To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not administer written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.
After you complete the requirements you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.
If your license has expired, it is illegal for you to drive. There are no late fees to renew your license. While there are no penalties, you may be cited by a police officer for driving with an expired driver license. If you are a commercial driver and your license has been expired over two years, you will need to also take a driving test in the type of commercial vehicle you will be driving.
Yes you need to take a written test (and all the the answers above are wrong.... The first one marked "best answer" obviously did not read your question and the fact that you do NOT have a renewal notice yet). I had the same exact situation as you, called the DMV, they said I need to show up at the DMV branch (for photo and vision, never mention test). Waht an ordeal in the DMV and bunch of asses; after waiting for 3 hours, I got to the window, and encountered the most obnoxious rude and ignorant agents, what bunch of ^%^, terrible. Then - suddenly- they send me to a written test... What? Where is this from? Oh, they say, everybody needs it upon renewal (bunch of liars). I think it is because a.I did not have a renewal notice on hand and b.I had 5 months (and need to travel as you) before expiring and they treat it as a "new application". So, with not a chance to study and review the material I had to do the test (surely better to fail than to come back to this hell on earth place). (Yeh, passed). So - get ready. And surely you may have some more surprises.....
RE: Renewing California Drivers' License -Retake written test?!? Hi all
I am renewing my California Drivers' License in person (i.e. not by mail). Would DMV make me retake the written test on the spot?! I am in my late 20s..no points. Just wondering if I need to study ahead of time before going to DMV..