A suspension may be initiated by any of the following factors:
Law enforcement frequently reports motorists to DMV
Accident caused by lack of skill or medical condition
Incident [Non-Accident] indicating lack of skill or confusion
Alcohol or drug problem which could interfere with driving
Your doctor or an emergency room physician may report you to
DMV
Seizures
Lapse of Consciousness
Vision
Mental condition - Alzheimers, dementia
Physically debilitating conditions
DMV field office personnel will report unusual behavior or medical
conditions
Courts occasionally report individuals to DMV (usually traffic court)
Family and friends are a frequent source of information for DMV
Private citizens can report unsafe driving by other motorists
What law allows DMV to conduct an examination of a senior citizen?
Among other Vehicle Codes:
Vehicle Code § 12814. Renewal of licenses; examination; extension; terms and
conditions; selective testing.
(a) Application for renewal of a license shall be made at an office of the
Department of Motor Vehicles 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 licensee's record of
convictions and accidents, or an examination deemed by the department to
be appropriate in relation to evidence of a condition which may affect the
ability of the applicant to safely operate a motor vehicle. The age of
a licensee, by itself, shall not constitute evidence of a condition
requiring an examination of the driving ability. If the department
finds any such evidence, the department shall disclose the evidence to the
applicant or licensee. In the event such person is absent from the state
at the time the license expires, the Director of Motor Vehicles may extend
the license for a period of one year from the expiration date of the
license.
12814.5. (c) No renewal by mail shall be granted to any person who is 70
years of age or older.
After DMV gets a report, when does the suspension start?
A suspension may start immediately if there is sufficient cause or
justification, which at DMV means the driver "poses a danger" to the
motoring public. Otherwise, it will begin only after a re-examination or
a hearing has been held.
Note: the standard for posing a danger is very low, in other words it
takes very little evidence for DMV to impose an immediate suspension or
revocation.
