"BEHIND THE WHEEL" TESTING ON PAUSE AGAIN AT THE CALIFORNIA DMV

UPDATE 1/28/2021: The most recent announcement from the CA DMV states that behind-the-wheel driving tests will resume statewide on February 1. These behind-the-wheel tests had previously been postponed through the end of January due to a statewide surge in COVID-19 cases.

All customers for behind-the-wheel drive test appointments that were canceled between December 14 and February 1 will be automatically rescheduled. Rescheduling will begin soon with customers being notified by text of their rescheduled appointment. DMV anticipates new appointments for behind-the-wheel tests will be start mid-February after all previously postponed tests have been rescheduled.

The DMV previously extended eligible permits with expiration dates through May 31, 2021, for six months from the date of expiration, or to a date 24 months from the date of application, whichever is earlier. This automatic extension requires no paperwork and gives student drivers more time during the COVID-19 pandemic to complete the prerequisites needed for a provisional license. The DMV also has extended expiring commercial driver’s licenses, commercial learner’s permits, certificates and endorsements through February 28, 2021.

UPDATE 1/07/2021: The California Department of Motor Vehicles will continue its temporary suspension of behind-the-wheel driving tests until at least February 1. The DMV previously suspended the tests until January 11. The DMV is taking this step for the health and safety of customers and employees during the ongoing statewide surge in COVID-19 cases.

Customers with scheduled appointments through January 29 will be notified their tests are postponed. The DMV will automatically reschedule the tests at a later date.

In-vehicle testing is a requirement for first-time driver’s license holders and commercial license applicants. The temporary suspension includes commercial and noncommercial tests, but does not apply to motorcycle drive tests, which can be conducted at a safe distance.

Unfortunately, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is temporarily suspending behind-the-wheel driving tests again, and it is expected to last at least two weeks beginning December 14. This is to help ensure the health and safety of DMV customers and employees during the current statewide surge in COVID-19 cases.

Although the DMV had employed several new protocols to safeguard the testing process since June, the current surge in COVID-19 cases presents increased risk because Behind-the-Wheel drive tests require that two people need to share space in one vehicle. In-vehicle testing is required for first-time driver’s license holders and commercial license applicants. The temporary suspension includes commercial and noncommercial tests but does not apply to motorcycle drive tests, which can be conducted at a safe distance.

Customers that had scheduled appointments in the next two weeks will be notified that their tests are canceled and the DMV will automatically reschedule those tests at a later date.

Also, although DMV field offices remain open to serve the public, the public is urged to first try the DMV’s online services, expanded virtual services and other service channels to take care of their DMV needs. This includes eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Nearly all Californians can now renew their driver’s license online – even if the renewal notice states an office visit is required. Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

If you still need to enter the DMV in person, you will be required to wear a face covering, physically distance per COVID-19 protocols and have their temperature checked. The total number of people allowed within the office is limited, and chairs will be appropriately spaced to accommodate social distancing. Plexiglass shields and dividers have also been installed.

The DMV continues to recommend that customers use its online services, expanded virtual services and other service channels to complete transactions including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals.