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Controversy Brewing: Is DMV’s Testing Regulations for Older Drivers a Form of Discrimination?
As we age, our perspective on what constitutes “old” changes, and it’s a realization that many of us eventually come to. In California, drivers aged 70 and older have recently been required to take a written test and an eye exam at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for license renewals.
This move has sparked a lively debate about age discrimination and the need for such testing.
One concerned individual, Frank, a North Hills resident, has raised his voice against what he perceives as blatant age discrimination. Frank, who is an entertainment writer, has chosen to remain anonymous out of apprehension that disclosing his age might negatively impact his career.
Frank was fortunate enough to renew his license online before the new regulations took effect last fall, thereby bypassing the need for the written and vision tests. However, his wife, Diane, who also has a spotless driving record, will have to visit a DMV office for her renewal in December.
While some drivers have reported passing the test without any issues, others found certain questions to be trivial and irrelevant in assessing their driving ability.
