Every so many years we have to renew our drivers license. The DMV in California has a new option for the written test that is sometimes required at renewal time. It is only available when renewing online, called eLearning. I am highly recommending that you do the eLearning, if it is available to you.

The other options for the written test are taking the test inside DMV, or taking the test online with a proctor watching. In both of these cases you can flunk.

The eLearning program is an self-directed course with 7 parts with quizzes after each section. This option takes longer, but you can’t flunk! eLearning can be done on a PC, tablet or smartphone and is available anytime. It can be paused or restarted if needed. I recommend a PC because of screen size. It is estimated to take 45 minutes, it took me an hour to take the test. 5 years ago I took 5 hours taking the online practice tests preparing for the written test!

Renewing online is easy and there are no lines. You enter your profile data, pay the fee, take the eLearning course, upload your Real ID proof documentation. You still have to go to DMV to be finger printed, take the eye test and have your picture taken. The CA DMV renewal procedure is finally anxiety free!