Q: Virginia Rue of Santa Ana said she understands she may need to take a driving test when she renews her driver’s license. Rue, 76, said she does not drive on freeways and hasn’t driven on a freeway for 25 years.
Read more Cornyn went to great lengths to avoid Trump’s wrath. The Texas senator lost his seat anyway
“Do I have to drive on the freeway when I take the test?” Rue asked.
A: The answer is probably not, but Rue could end up with a restricted license.
Since October 2024, drivers who are 70 and older who have a good driving record may no longer be required to pass the knowledge test and they may only need to complete a vision test to renew their license. If Rue has a good record and adequate vision, she can likely avoid a driving test altogether and continue driving as she has been doing. If she does not meet the Department of Motor Vehicles’ vision screening standard, however, she will have to take a driving test, said DMV spokesperson Geovana Herrera.
The standard is the ability to see 20/40 with both eyes together, and 20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Those who fail the vision test are referred to a vision specialist to obtain a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62). Once the DL 62 is reviewed, the person may need to take a Supplemental Performance Driving Evaluation to see whether the person can drive safely, has good driving habits, can follow traffic laws, and can compensate for any physical conditions like poor vision, Herrera said.
During the evaluation, the licensing examiner asks if the person drives on the freeway. If the answer is no, or the driver does not wish to take that portion of the test, a restriction of “No Freeway” will be imposed on their license, Herrera said.
Headlights
A new survey released this spring from AAA shows there is a growing concern and frustration among drivers about glare from headlights, especially at night. Six in 10 drivers surveyed say glare is a problem after dark, and nearly three-quarters of those affected believe driving glare has worsened over the past decade. Headlight glare from oncoming traffic was named as the worst offender, but glare from rearview and side mirrors is also problem.
Read more US military strike on alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific kills 1, leaves 2 survivors
“Driven by several factors, including new headlight technologies and taller vehicle designs, drivers are becoming frustrated,” Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Research, said in a news release. “As vehicle lighting technology evolves, so must our understanding of glare, its impact, and the steps drivers can take to maintain safety.”
To help reduce headlight glare and improve visibility, AAA recommends drivers ensure their headlights are clean, fully functional and of the original design (no after-market changes). AAA also advises drivers to avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights.
Hemet DMV
The Hemet DMV office at 1200 S. State St. reopened May 20. The office had been closed since March 27 to replace the interior floor.
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write [email protected] or call 951-368-9995. Note that we may use material from letters or phone calls in future columns.
Read more Trump is getting the Republican Party that he wants. But can he win in the midterms?