Readers want the latest news from DMV on license renewal

QMy wife is 79 and has gone through several steps to renew her license. After filling out the online application, she was directed to go to the DMV in Novato but was told she did not have to be there and to call the DMV. After several futile attempts including a twohour wait on hold, she gave up.

Then I saw the “Ask the DMV” site in your column and sent an email a week ago. No response.

Then I saw the governor has signed an executive order to permit seniors to renew online. What is the latest?

— Bob Harrison, Tiburon

A

The latest is good news for Californians 70 and older. You are now eligible to renew online or by mail, eliminating the need to visit a DMV office. Licenses with an expiration date between March 1, 2020, throughout the COVID-19 emergency are covered.

Nearly all drivers are now eligible to renew their license online or by mail even if their renewal notice states an office visit is required.

Go to dmv.ca.gov to start your renewal.

Q

Can you clarify Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order regarding people over 70 who need to take a written test because their license had expired? Mine expired in September and I have until next September to take a written test at DMV but might not need to do so.

— Shelley Berkowitz A Better news yet. Written tests have been temporarily waived and the new rules will be in effect until virus worries ease.

Q

Gary, you are definitely the “DMV Whisperer!”

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order allowing seniors to renew their licenses by mail was welcome news, but there wasn’t much in the way of useful information about how this is going to work. Who exactly is eligible? I received the automatic one-year extension earlier this year, but based on current estimates by infectious disease experts, it still might not be safe to do an inperson visit by the end of that extension.

And when will we be able to do this?

— Sheryl Carver, Santa Cruz A You will be able to do this starting Dec. 6 and better yet, the new guidelines will be in place until this emergency eases.

Q

My advice about deer is if you pass a deer standing even way off the road, slow down and be ready for it to run in front of your car.

I narrowly missed a deer in those circumstances; it was standing there looking all noble and peaceful and then it bolted out in front of me. Probably a thrill-seeking teenager.

— Scott Miller, San Jose

A

Probably so.

Going fishing and changing diapers. I will take a few weeks off to enjoy our grandson. Mr. Roadshow will return later this month. But you can still contact me at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408920-5335.