California DMV offices resume driving tests with new protocols

Behind-the-wheel driving tests are back in action starting today at California DMV's. These tests were suspended mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was kind of a bummer because, like, obviously I want to drive by myself,” said Emilio Madrigal, a local high school student who was taking his written test at the Palm Desert DMV office today.

Getting a driver’s license is a big milestone for high schoolers, including Emilio Madrigal who’s been waiting for over two months just to take the written portion of the test.

“He really wanted to drive, he was like, everyday thinking about it,” said Lizeth Valencia, Emilio’s mom.

“It’s kind of just like the next step in life, one step closer to adulthood, getting your driver’s license and just being able to go anywhere,” Madrigal said.

Next, Madrigal will need to take the behind-the-wheel exam, which California DMVs resumed today with new health and safety protocols like required facial coverings, temperature checks and a series of screening questions.

Driver's tests that were canceled due to the pandemic since mid-March are going to be automatically rescheduled and until all of those reschedulings happen, new appointments are put on hold, according to a statement my the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

“It’s kind of more of a struggle not to set an appointment because you don’t know when they’re going to open back up, but now that I know that it’s open in August, I mean, now I have to wait, but you know, it’s better than nothing,” Madrigal said.

“He will feel more free, because he knows he can do it,” said Valencia.

The DMV says it will also be making changes to expedite the testing process, like shortening the route, adding examiners and expanding hours for testing.

DMVs are also now taking walk-ins for REAL IDs. For more information on services available, visit the official website.