Help For Older Adults At Risk Of Losing Driving Privileges In California
California does not automatically suspend or revoke driver’s licenses of elders. If you have received a notice from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) asking you to report for tests – or if you have been charged or arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) – you are doing the right thing by looking for legal advice.
The idea of hiring an attorney to respond to administrative notices may seem intimidating or unnecessary. However, many satisfied clients of the Law Office of Rodney Gould have been glad they had a knowledgeable lawyer on their side. Consider how your life’s activities would be limited without a driver’s license and it should be obvious that this is a sound investment in your peace of mind.
What Older Adults May Encounter In Dealings With The DMV
In the words of the DMV, “At some point in time, every California driver receives a renewal notice requiring them to personally visit a DMV office.” This agency advises people not to panic when they receive such notices, regardless of age. However, an older driver may have cause for concern if:
- Someone sent the DMV a tip about the older driver suggesting that their mental or physical condition might make their driving unsafe.
- The older driver is over age 70 and will have to retest and renew their driver’s license in person at the DMV rather than renewing online.
- The older driver has been accused of DUI and may face automatic license suspension for that reason.
The vision and knowledge tests administered to older drivers in any of these cases are the same as those administered to younger drivers. However, it is common for elders who are under scrutiny to suspect age discrimination during the process.
Stress, nervousness and uncertainty about the procedures have caused many older drivers to perform poorly and have their driver’s licenses suspended. To prevent such an outcome, get legal advice as soon as you receive a notice from the DMV, get arrested for DUI or hear rumors that someone has reported you or may report you to the DMV for any reason.
Solve Your Driver’s License Problems Before The Situation Worsens
Preserve your freedom by taking charge of the situation when you suspect or know that your driver’s license is at risk.
Older adults and adults of any age are welcome to contact us at 818-570-6989 or by email to schedule a consultation.