California DMV orders 11,000 drivers to retake written test within 30 days

The Department of Motor Vehicles is requiring roughly 11,000 California drivers to retake the written knowledge exam after the agency detected anomalies in testing records. Drivers who received letters have 30 days to schedule and pass the test again. Failure to comply can result in license cancellation.

Background on the review The agency said the action followed a routine review of records but has not disclosed what prompted the review or whether the anomalies involved suspected cheating, technical issues, or administrative errors. The DMV has also not indicated whether the affected tests were administered online, in person, or both.

Driver reactions One Sacramento resident who took the test in January said the notice raised concerns about possible data errors on the agency’s end. The same driver noted that DMV staff told callers only that thousands of others had received similar letters and provided no further explanation.

Affected drivers must bring their notification letters to scheduled appointments; walk-ins are not accepted. The exams in question were taken between July 2025 and April 2026. Notices have been reported in Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Monica, and San Mateo.