AB 2357: Driver’s licenses: renewal.
- Session Year: 2017-2018
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2018-08-20
Existing law requires an application for renewal of a drivers license to be made at an office of the Department of Motor Vehicles by the person to whom the license was issued. Existing law requires renewal of a license to be under the terms and conditions prescribed by the department, and authorizes the department to require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application, an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate considering the licensees record of convictions and accidents, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate in relation to evidence of a condition that may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle.
This bill would require a drivers license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a knowledge examination in order to renew his or her drivers license to provide written notice of that requirement.
Existing law requires an application for renewal of a drivers license to be made at an office of the Department of Motor Vehicles by the person to whom the license was issued. Existing law requires renewal of a license to be under the terms and conditions prescribed by the department, and authorizes the department to require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application, an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate considering the licensees record of convictions and accidents, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate in relation to evidence of a condition that may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle.
This bill would require a drivers license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a knowledge examination in order to renew his or her drivers license to provide written notice of that requirement.
Existing law prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles from issuing or renewing a drivers license to a person unless the person consents in writing to submit to a chemical test or tests of that persons blood, breath, or urine, or a preliminary alcohol screening test, for purposes of determining if the person is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as specified. Existing law specifies the content of the written consent. requires an application for renewal of a drivers license to be made at an office of the Department of Motor Vehicles by the person to whom the license was issued. Existing law requires renewal of a license to be under the terms and conditions prescribed by the department, and authorizes the department to require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application, an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate considering the licensees record of convictions and accidents, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate in relation to evidence of a condition that may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle.
This bill would require a drivers license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a written knowledge examination in order to renew his or her drivers license to provide written notice of that requirement.
Existing law prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles from issuing or renewing a drivers license to a person unless the person consents in writing to submit to a chemical test or tests of that persons blood, breath, or urine, or a preliminary alcohol screening test, for purposes of determining if the person is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as specified. Existing law specifies the content of the written consent.
This bill would require a drivers license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a written examination in order to renew his or her drivers license to provide written notice of that requirement.
Existing law provides that the expiration date for an original drivers license or a drivers license renewal is the 5th birthday of the applicant following the date of the application for the license. Existing law authorizes the Director of Motor Vehicles to establish a program to evaluate the traffic safety and other effects of renewing drivers licenses by mail. Existing law, pursuant to that program, authorizes the department to renew by mail drivers licenses for licensees meeting specified requirements, including that the person is not 70 years of age or older, and that the department shall not renew a drivers license by mail if the license has been previously renewed by mail 2 consecutive times for 5-year periods.This bill would authorize a driver who is between 55 and 69 years of age, inclusive, who has no at-fault accidents or violations other than parking violations on his or her driving record for the preceding 15 years to renew his or her license by mail. The bill would provide that a driver qualifying under these provisions would not be required to take a written exam, but would be required to pass an eye exam established by the department. The bill would provide that the prohibition against renewing a drivers license more than 2 consecutive times by mail would not apply to a driver qualifying under these provisions.Existing law provides that the expiration date for an original drivers license or a drivers license renewal is the 5th birthday of the applicant following the date of the application for the license. Existing law authorizes the Director of Motor Vehicles to establish a program to evaluate the traffic safety and other effects of renewing drivers licenses by mail. Existing law, pursuant to that program, authorizes the department to renew by mail drivers licenses for licensees meeting specified requirements, including that the person is not 70 years of age or older, and that the department shall not renew a drivers license by mail if the license has been previously renewed by mail 2 consecutive times for 5-year periods.
This bill would authorize a driver who is between 55 and 69 years of age, inclusive, who has no at-fault accidents or violations other than parking violations on his or her driving record for the preceding 15 years to renew his or her license by mail. The bill would provide that a driver qualifying under these provisions would not be required to take a written exam, but would be required to pass an eye exam established by the department. The bill would provide that the prohibition against renewing a drivers license more than 2 consecutive times by mail would not apply to a driver qualifying under these provisions.
(a)Application for renewal of a license shall be made at an office of the department by the person to whom the license was issued. The department may in its discretion require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate considering the licensees record of convictions and accidents, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate in relation to evidence of a condition that may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle. The age of a licensee, by itself, may not constitute evidence of a condition requiring an examination of the driving ability. If the department finds any evidence, the department shall disclose the evidence to the applicant or licensee. If the person is absent from the state at the time the license expires, the director may extend the license for a period of one year from the expiration date of the license.
(b)Renewal of a drivers license shall be under terms and conditions prescribed by the department.
(c)The department may adopt and administer those regulations as shall be deemed necessary for the public safety in the implementation of a program of selective testing of applicants, and, with reference to this section, the department may waive tests for purposes of evaluation of selective testing procedures.
(d)A drivers license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a knowledge examination in order to renew his or her drivers license shall provide written notice of that requirement.
(a)Application for renewal of a license shall be made at an office of the department by the person to whom the license was issued. The department may in its discretion require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate considering the licensees record of convictions and accidents, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate in relation to evidence of a condition that may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle. The age of a licensee, by itself, may not constitute evidence of a condition requiring an examination of the driving ability. If the department finds any evidence, the department shall disclose the evidence to the applicant or licensee. If the person is absent from the state at the time the license expires, the director may extend the license for a period of one year from the expiration date of the license.
(b)Renewal of a drivers license shall be under terms and conditions prescribed by the department.
(c)The department may adopt and administer those regulations as shall be deemed necessary for the public safety in the implementation of a program of selective testing of applicants, and, with reference to this section, the department may waive tests for purposes of evaluation of selective testing procedures.
(d)A drivers license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a knowledge examination in order to renew his or her drivers license shall provide written notice of that requirement.
(a)Application for renewal of a license shall be made at an office of the department by the person to whom the license was issued. The department may in its discretion require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate considering the licensees record of convictions and accidents, or an examination deemed by the department to be appropriate in relation to evidence of a condition which that may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle. The age of a licensee, by itself, may not constitute evidence of a condition requiring an examination of the driving ability. If the department finds any evidence, the department shall disclose the evidence to the applicant or licensee. If the person is absent from the state at the time the license expires, the director may extend the license for a period of one year from the expiration date of the license.
(b)Renewal of a drivers license shall be under terms and conditions prescribed by the department.
(c)The department may adopt and administer those regulations as shall be deemed necessary for the public safety in the implementation of a program of selective testing of applicants, and, with reference to this section, the department may waive tests for purposes of evaluation of selective testing procedures.
(d)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2011.(d)A drivers license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a knowledge examination in order to renew his or her drivers license shall provide written notice of that requirement.
SECTION 1.Section 13384 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:13384.(a)The department shall not issue or renew a drivers license to any person unless the person consents in writing to submit to a chemical test or tests of that persons blood, breath, or urine pursuant to Section 23612, or a preliminary alcohol screening test pursuant to Section 23136, when requested to do so by a peace officer.(b)All application forms for drivers licenses or drivers license renewal notices shall include a requirement that the applicant sign the following declaration as a condition of licensure:I agree to submit to a chemical test of my blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of my blood when testing is requested by a peace officer acting in accordance with Section 13388 or 23612 of the Vehicle Code.(c)The department is not, incident to this section, required to maintain, copy, or store any information other than that to be incorporated into the standard application form.(d)A drivers license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a written examination in order to renew his or her drivers license shall provide written notice of that requirement.(a)The department shall not issue or renew a drivers license to any person unless the person consents in writing to submit to a chemical test or tests of that persons blood, breath, or urine pursuant to Section 23612, or a preliminary alcohol screening test pursuant to Section 23136, when requested to do so by a peace officer.
(b)All application forms for drivers licenses or drivers license renewal notices shall include a requirement that the applicant sign the following declaration as a condition of licensure:
I agree to submit to a chemical test of my blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of my blood when testing is requested by a peace officer acting in accordance with Section 13388 or 23612 of the Vehicle Code.
(c)The department is not, incident to this section, required to maintain, copy, or store any information other than that to be incorporated into the standard application form.
(d)A drivers license renewal notice for a person who is required to pass a written examination in order to renew his or her drivers license shall provide written notice of that requirement.
SECTION 1.Section 12814.5 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:12814.5.(a)The director may establish a program to evaluate the traffic safety and other effects of renewing drivers licenses by mail. Pursuant to that program, except as provided in subdivision (b), the department may renew by mail drivers licenses for licensees not holding a probationary license, and whose records, for the two years immediately preceding the determination of eligibility for the renewal, show no notification of a violation of subdivision (a) of Section 40509, a total violation point count not greater than one as determined in accordance with Section 12810, no suspension of the driving privilege pursuant to Section 13353.2, and no refusal to submit to or complete chemical testing pursuant to Section 13353 or 13353.1.(b)A driver who is between 55 and 69 years of age, inclusive, who has no at-fault accidents or violations other than parking violations on his or her driving record for the preceding 15 years, may renew his or her license by mail, notwithstanding subdivision (f). A driver qualifying under this subdivision is not required to take a written exam, but shall be required to pass an eye exam established by the department.(c)The director may terminate the renewal by mail program authorized by this section at any time the department determines that the program has an adverse impact on traffic safety.(d)No renewal by mail shall be granted to any person who is 70 years of age or older.(e)The department shall notify each licensee granted a renewal by mail pursuant to this section of major changes to the Vehicle Code affecting traffic laws occurring during the prior five-year period.(f)The department shall not renew a drivers license by mail if the license has been previously renewed by mail two consecutive times for five-year periods.(a)The director may establish a program to evaluate the traffic safety and other effects of renewing drivers licenses by mail. Pursuant to that program, except as provided in subdivision (b), the department may renew by mail drivers licenses for licensees not holding a probationary license, and whose records, for the two years immediately preceding the determination of eligibility for the renewal, show no notification of a violation of subdivision (a) of Section 40509, a total violation point count not greater than one as determined in accordance with Section 12810, no suspension of the driving privilege pursuant to Section 13353.2, and no refusal to submit to or complete chemical testing pursuant to Section 13353 or 13353.1.
(b)A driver who is between 55 and 69 years of age, inclusive, who has no at-fault accidents or violations other than parking violations on his or her driving record for the preceding 15 years, may renew his or her license by mail, notwithstanding subdivision (f). A driver qualifying under this subdivision is not required to take a written exam, but shall be required to pass an eye exam established by the department.
(b)(c)The director may terminate the renewal by mail program authorized by this section at any time the department determines that the program has an adverse impact on traffic safety.
(c)(d)No renewal by mail shall be granted to any person who is 70 years of age or older.
(d)(e)The department shall notify each licensee granted a renewal by mail pursuant to this section of major changes to the Vehicle Code affecting traffic laws occurring during the prior five-year period.
(e)(f)The department shall not renew a drivers license by mail if the license has been previously renewed by mail two consecutive times for five-year periods.
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Date
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Status
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| Aug 20, 2018 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 171, Statutes of 2018. |
| Aug 20, 2018 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Aug 9, 2018 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 11:30 a.m. |
| Aug 6, 2018 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Jul 3, 2018 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. May be considered on or after July 5 pursuant to Assembly Rule 77. |
| Jul 2, 2018 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Jun 26, 2018 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Jun 25, 2018 | From committee: Be ordered to second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Jun 12, 2018 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (June 12). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 6, 2018 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on T. & H. |
| May 17, 2018 | Referred to Com. on T. & H. |
| May 3, 2018 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 3, 2018 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Apr 26, 2018 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Apr 25, 2018 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (April 25). |
| Apr 17, 2018 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (April 16). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 10, 2018 | Re-referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Apr 9, 2018 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 1, 2018 | Referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Feb 14, 2018 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 16. |
| Feb 13, 2018 | Read first time. To print. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Aug 6, 2018 | AB 2357 VOEPEL Concurrence in Senate Amendments | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
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| Jul 2, 2018 | Consent Calendar AB2357 | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Jun 12, 2018 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Housing |
Passed |
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| May 3, 2018 | AB 2357 VOEPEL Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 25, 2018 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
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| Apr 16, 2018 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2357
Author:(Voepel)
As Amended Ver:June 6, 2018
Majority vote
ASSEMBLY: | 71-0 | (May 3, 2018) | SENATE: | 37-0 | (July 2, 2018) |
Original Committee Reference: TRANS.
SUMMARY: Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to provide written notification to a person who is required to pass a written driver's license examination in order to renew their driver's license.
The Senate amendments recast the same provision in a different code section.
EXISTING LAW:
- Requires DMV to provide a written examination upon the application for an original license.
- Allows DMV to require an applicant for renewal of a license to take the written examination as a condition of renewal if the department deems it is appropriate considering:
- The Applicant's record of convictions and accidents.
- In relation to evidence of a condition which may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Restricts DMV from requiring the retaking of the written exam solely because of the age of the applicant.
- Allows DMV to implement selective testing of applicants for public safety and may waive tests for purposes of evaluation of selective testing procedures.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.
COMMENTS: DMV can administer a written examination to applicants for a renewal of a driver's license for a number of reasons. In practice, DMV generally requires individuals who currently have points on their license at the time of renewal to take a written examination. They also require individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence to take the written examination.
When it comes time to renew your license, DMV sends out a notice reminding you that your license is about to expire. DMV only requires individuals to come in person once every 15 years, and licenses expire every five years. Applicants are allowed to renew their license by mail, but may be required to come in to take a written examination for various reasons. DMV indicates on their notices for renewal if you have to take a written exam, eye test, thumb print or new picture.
Committee comments: It is unclear why this bill is necessary, as DMV already sends out written notices alerting drivers that they have to take a written examination.
Analysis Prepared by: Eric Thronson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0003595
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB |
CONSENT
Bill No: AB 2357
:
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 12-0, 6/12/18
AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Dodd, Gaines, Galgiani, McGuire, Roth, Skinner, Vidak, Wieckowski, Wiener
NO VOTE RECORDED: Morrell
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/3/18 (Consent) - See last page for vote
DIGEST:
This bill requires a driver’s license renewal notice issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to include written notification that the renewal applicant will be required to pass a knowledge examination in those instances where that is the case.
Existing law:
- Requires the DMV to provide a knowledge examination (written or touch screen) upon the application for an original license.
- Allows DMV to require an applicant for renewal of a license to take the knowledge examination as a condition of renewal if DMV deems it is appropriate considering the applicant’s record of convictions and accidents or evidence of a condition which may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Restricts DMV from requiring the retaking of the knowledge exam solely because of the age of the applicant.
- Allows DMV to implement selective testing of applicants for public safety and to waive tests for purposes of the evaluation of selective testing procedures.
This bill requires a driver’s license renewal notice issued by DMV to include written notification that the renewal applicant will be required to pass a knowledge examination in those instances where that is the case.
Background
Prior to the expiration of an individual’s driver’s license, DMV mails a notice alerting the licensee to that pending expiration. Licenses expire every five years but DMV typically only requires individuals to renew in person for every third renewal, i.e., once every 15 years, in order to take a vision test.
Applicants under the age of 70 who are not required to renew in person are allowed to renew their license by mail or online. However, for a variety of reasons, a renewal applicant who would otherwise qualify for online or mail renewal may instead be required to renew in person in order to take a knowledge examination. The statutes generally require in-person renewal for individuals who have excessive points on their license, have refused to take a chemical or alcohol screening test, have failed to appear in court, or have failed to pay a fine. Other reasons for needing to take a knowledge test include having a license more than a year out of date or a license that has been suspended or revoked. DMV also requires individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence to take the knowledge examination. This bill requires the renewal notice to alert a renewal applicant who is required to apply in person if he or she will be required a knowledge exam at that time.
In any instance where a knowledge exam, vision test, thumb print, or new picture will be required during the in-person renewal process, DMV indicates that requirement on the notice for renewal. While this bill might thusly appear to be unnecessary, the author contends there have been instances in his district where his constituents have not been so notified.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/25/18)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The author of this bill relates that there have been instances in his district where his constituents did not receive prior notification that they would be required to take a knowledge examination as a part of the driver’s license renewal process.
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/3/18
AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Calderon, Carrillo, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dahle, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kamlager-Dove, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Reyes, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Travis Allen, Caballero, Choi, Cristina Garcia, Grayson, Quirk-Silva, Voepel
6/26/18 13:24:47
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING
Senator Jim Beall, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular
Bill No: AB 2357 Hearing Date: 6/12/2018
Author: | Voepel | ||
Version: | 6/6/2018 Amended | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Howard Posner | ||
SUBJECT: Driver’s licenses: renewal
DIGEST: This bill requires driver’s license renewal notices to alert the applicant if he or she will be required to pass a knowledge examination.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to provide a knowledge examination (written or touch screen) upon the application for an original license.
- Allows DMV to require an applicant for renewal of a license to take the knowledge examination as a condition of renewal if DMV deems it is appropriate considering the applicant’s record of convictions and accidents or evidence of a condition which may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Restricts DMV from requiring the retaking of the knowledge exam solely because of the age of the applicant.
- Allows DMV to implement selective testing of applicants for public safety and to waive tests for purposes of the evaluation of selective testing procedures.
This bill requires a driver’s license renewal notice issued by DMV to include written notification that the renewal applicant will be required to pass a knowledge examination in those instances where that is the case.
COMMENTS
- Author’s statement. AB 2357 makes a technical change and asks DMV to simply notify any Californian renewing their driver license that they will be required to take the written exam. This measure creates, clarity, efficiency, and expedites the driver license process.
- Existing DMV notification of expiration. Prior to the expiration of an individual’s driver’s license, DMV mails a notice alerting the licensee to that pending expiration. Licenses expire every five years but DMV typically only requires individuals to renew in person for every third renewal, i.e., once every 15 years, in order to take a vision test.
- Requirement to take in-person knowledge examination. Applicants under the age of 70 who are not required to renew in person are allowed to renew their license by mail or online. However, for a variety of reasons, a renewal applicant who would otherwise qualify for online or mail renewal may instead be required to renew in person in order to take a knowledge examination. The statutes generally require in-person renewal for individuals who have excessive points on their license, have refused to take a chemical or alcohol screening test, have failed to appear in court, or have failed to pay a fine. Other reasons for needing to take a knowledge test include having a license more than a year out of date or a license that has been suspended or revoked. DMV also requires individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence to take the knowledge examination.
- Information already listed on notice to renew. In any instance where a knowledge exam, vision test, thumb print, or new picture will be required during the in-person renewal process, DMV indicates that requirement on the notice for renewal. While this bill might thusly appear to be unnecessary, the author contends there have been instances in his district where his constituents have not been so notified.
ASSEMBLY VOTES:
Floor: 71-0
Transportation: 14-0
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,
June 6, 2018.)
SUPPORT:
None received.
OPPOSITION:
None received.
-- END --
Date of Hearing: April 25, 2018
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2357
Author:(Voepel) – As Amended Ver:April 9, 2018
Policy Committee: | Transportation | Vote: | 14 - 0 |
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to provide written notification to a person who is required to pass a written driver’s license examination in order to renew their driver’s license.
FISCAL EFFECT:
No costs to DMV because the department already provides the notice required by this bill and continuing to allow DMV the flexibility to stop providing this notice would not result in savings for the department.
COMMENTS:
- Background and purpose. Driver’s licenses generally must be renewed every five years, and every 15 years drivers are required to go into a DMV field office in person to process the renewal of his or her driver’s license. When a driver’s license is up for renewal, DMV sends a notice to the driver specifying the steps he or she must take to renew their license, including whether a written exam is required in a field office. This bill codifies an existing DMV practice.
- Staff comments. This bill appears unnecessary because DMV already provides the notice required by this bill. The author’s office indicates that the bill is necessary in order to ensure DMV uniformly provides notice to persons who must take a written exam to renew driver’s licenses. The author’s office indicates that the author does not plan to amend this bill to do something substantially different after it passes out of this committee.
Analysis Prepared by: Jessica Peters / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 16, 2018
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Jim Frazier, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2357 (
Author:Voepel) – As Amended Ver:April 9, 2018
SUBJECT: Driver’s licenses: renewal
SUMMARY: Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to provide written notification to a person who is required to pass a written driver’s license examination in order to renew their driver’s license.
EXISTING LAW:
- Requires DMV to provide a written examination upon the application for an original license.
- Allows DMV to require an applicant for renewal of a license to take the written examination as a condition of renewal if the department deems it is appropriate considering:
- The Applicant’s record of convictions and accidents.
- In relation to evidence of a condition which may affect the ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Restricts DMV from requiring the retaking of the written exam solely because of the age of the applicant.
- Allows DMV to implement selective testing of applicants for public safety and may waive tests for purposes of evaluation of selective testing procedures.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: DMV can administer a written examination to applicants for a renewal of a driver’s license for a number of reasons. In practice, DMV generally requires individuals who currently have points on their license at the time of renewal to take a written examination. They also require individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence to take the written examination.
When it comes time to renew your license, DMV sends out a notice reminding you that your license is about to expire. DMV only requires individuals to come in person once every 15 years, and licenses expire every five years. Applicants are allowed to renew their license by mail, but may be required to come in to take a written examination for various reasons. DMV indicates on their notices for renewal if you have to take a written exam, eye test, thumb print or new picture.
Committee comments: It is unclear why this bill is necessary, as DMV already sends out written notices alerting drivers that they have to take a written examination.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: David Sforza / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):