REDDING, Calif. — Thousands of California drivers are being told they must retake the DMV’s written knowledge test or risk losing their licenses after the agency flagged issues tied to exams taken over a roughly nine-month period.
About 11,000 drivers across California are being asked to retake the written test, according to the DMV. The agency said the affected drivers took their written knowledge tests between July 2025 and April 2026, and that the retest is necessary to protect the integrity of its testing process.
Some local drivers said retaking the test would not be a major concern if they had already passed once.
“I’d be fine. I drive safe. I know how to drive, so what’s the big deal?” said resident Andrew Depina.
Others said they would be frustrated if they were required to retest despite not doing anything wrong.
“I would probably be a little disappointed in the DMV, and I would probably try to push back,” resident Jamie Baker said.
The DMV has not publicly said what specific irregularities prompted the retesting, only that about 11,000 drivers statewide are affected.
Officials said anyone who receives a notice must complete the written retest within 30 days or their driver’s license could be suspended. Drivers who did not receive a letter or email from the DMV do not need to retake the written test.
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