It helps to have a game plan when you are setting out to renew your California driver's license., and here are some tips that worked.
Q: I just renewed my over-70 driver’s license. I have hints for those who will be doing the same thing.
Rod Whitten, Burlingame
A: Thanks for sharing your experience. Drivers 70 or over must go to a DMV office and pass a knowledge test and vision exam there as part of their license renewal process now.
Q: When you go to the DMV website, do not click on the Renewal option, as you will eventually get the message you are not eligible to renew online. Instead, use the Driver’s License Application link where you can fill out the form and schedule an appointment. Print the form and bring the appointment confirmation with you.
At the DMV, you get three tries to pass the test. My advice is to read all 92 pages of the Driver’s Handbook several times, Many questions focus on specific numbers from the Handbook.
Rod Whitten, Burlingame
A: And…
Q: When I got to the DMV, I was told I hadn’t filled out an application online (I tried many times, but no website is as frustrating as the DMV’s), so would have to go to a crowded room to fill out a paper one but that would take so long I’d miss my appointment. I explained how hard I’d try to complete it online, and a kind DMV woman said she’d do it for me on her computer. She saved the day.
My advice? GET help and get the blasted form filled out online somehow, or go 30 minutes early to do the form there. Also, really study for the test.
When I finally passed everything, I felt like I’d won the lottery and skipped out of the office as fast as I could!
Judy Wobleski, Walnut Creek
A: And…
Q: I made an appointment online, but failed to notice a form that needed to be filled out. When I got to the DMV they asked me if I filled it out, and a receptionist had to fill it out for me, which took extra time, and resulted in switching my eye and hair color. I passed the vision and written tests, had my picture taken and received my new license about a week later. It’s good for five years, and I’m pretty sure that was the last time I’ll have to go through that,
Sherry Hughes, Newark
Q: My main difficulty was getting a timely eye exam appointment with the optometry center I go to, and then having to wait five weeks for glasses to arrive. I recommend that people turning 70 get started on the process immediately, especially if an optometry exam is desired.
Margie Williams, Richmond
A: Very valuable advice and stories, all.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.
