What Happens When Someone Is Referred to the DMV for Reexamination?

What the law and the DMV say

The DMV describes the duty plainly: it "is required by law to investigate and reexamine your ability to operate a vehicle safely" when it learns of a physical or mental condition, or when your driver record shows three accidents within 12 months, traffic law convictions, reckless, negligent or incompetent driving habits, fraudulent use of a license, or other grounds that would justify refusing a license.

Referrals come from a defined set of sources:

• Doctors, who are required by law to report conditions involving loss of consciousness or control, including Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions that may affect safe driving.
• Emergency medical personnel who treat someone for a sudden loss of consciousness, awareness or control.
• Law enforcement officers after a stop or a collision.
• Family members, friends or neighbors, by form DS 699, Request for Driver Reexamination, or a signed letter to the local Driver Safety office.
• DMV staff who observe a condition, and the driver's own application if it reports a condition affecting driving.

Every request must be signed, but the person reporting may ask that their name not be revealed, and the DMV says records reporting a physical or mental condition are confidential unless disclosure is mandated by law.

Regular versus priority reexamination

A regular reexamination may involve requests for medical information and knowledge, vision and drive tests, and may happen in person or by telephone. A priority reexamination starts when an officer who observed the driving serves a notice at the roadside. The DMV says that after a priority notice you must contact Driver Safety within five days, or the driving privilege will be suspended, and you will take knowledge, vision and drive tests and present medical information. If a condition presents an immediate threat to public safety, the DMV can suspend or revoke at once.

What the hearing officer can decide

The DMV must give written notice of any action and of the right to an administrative hearing. Its senior-driver guidance says the request must be made within 10 days if the notice was handed to you, or 14 days if it was mailed.

What it means for the household policy

A restriction is part of the license, and driving outside it is driving outside the terms of your license. Tell your insurer when a household driver's license is restricted, suspended or surrendered, and say plainly who will drive which car. A suspension of a listed household driver's license is among the grounds Insurance Code section 661 lists for cancelling a policy, so silence is the riskier choice.

What to do

1. If you are worried about someone's driving, talk with them first, then use form DS 699 or a signed letter if needed.
2. If you receive a priority notice, call Driver Safety within five days.
3. Gather medical paperwork early; the DMV may ask for it.
4. Calendar the hearing deadline: 10 days if served in person, 14 if mailed.
5. Update the policy once the outcome is known.

If the household's drivers or cars are changing, you can review your coverage here.