You retake the test when your state's DMV requires it based on age, violations, or medical concerns
Most states do not require you to retake a written or road test just because your license expired. You renew it by mail, online, or in person, and you keep your current license class. But some states do require retesting at certain ages, and you must retake the test if you let your license lapse for too long, if you were convicted of certain violations, or if your doctor or the DMV questions whether you can drive safely.
The specific rules depend on your state and your situation. A few states require everyone to retake the road test at 70 or 80. Many states require retesting if your license has been expired for more than a few years. And most states will order you to retake the test if you accumulated too many points, failed a medical evaluation, or were convicted of a serious traffic offense.
Key Takeaways
- Age-based retesting is required in some states at 70, 75, or 80, but most states do not have a mandatory age for retesting.
- If your license expired more than two to five years ago (the window varies by state), you will likely have to retake both the written and road test to restore it.
- Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points can trigger a mandatory retest before you can drive again.
- Medical conditions or failed vision and hearing tests can prompt the DMV to order retesting to confirm you can drive safely.
- Your state's DMV website or a phone call to your local office is the fastest way to find out whether you personally need to retake the test.
Age-based retesting requirements by state
Only a handful of states require retesting based on age alone. Illinois requires a road test at 81 and every three years after. New Hampshire requires one at 75. A few others require more frequent renewals or additional testing at advanced ages, but do not mandate a full road test.
Most states allow you to renew by mail or online indefinitely, no matter your age. If your state does not have an age-based requirement, you will not be forced to retake the test unless something else triggers it — a lapsed license, a violation, or a medical flag.
Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether age-based retesting applies to you. The rules can also change, so it is worth verifying even if you think you know the answer.
How long you can let your license expire before retesting becomes mandatory
If your license expired, the window for straightforward renewal without retesting is usually two to five years, depending on your state. Some states let you renew without a test if you have been expired for less than two years. Others allow up to five years. A few have no time limit and let you renew by mail no matter how long it has been.
Once you cross that threshold, you will have to retake the written test, the road test, or both. Some states require both; others require only the road test. A few require only the written test if you have been expired for a very long time.
The safest approach is to renew before your license expires. If it has already expired, contact your state DMV directly to find out what tests you will need to take. Do not assume you can renew by mail — many states will reject a mail renewal if the license has been expired too long.
Violations and convictions that trigger mandatory retesting
Serious traffic convictions often require you to retake the road test before you can drive again. A DUI or DWI conviction almost always triggers this requirement. Reckless driving, hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license, and vehicular assault can also require retesting.
Point accumulation can also force a retest. If you collect too many points in a short time — usually 12 to 15 points in three years, though this varies — your state may order you to pass a road test before your license is reinstated. Some states require the test before you can even explore for reinstatement.
The court or DMV will notify you if retesting is required as part of your sentence or license suspension. Do not wait for a letter — if you were convicted of a serious offense or your license was suspended, contact your DMV when ready to find out what you need to do.
Medical evaluations and when the DMV orders retesting
If you failed a vision or hearing test during renewal, or if your doctor reported a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, the DMV may order you to retake the road test. Conditions like seizure disorders, severe arthritis, cognitive decline, or uncontrolled diabetes can trigger this requirement.
You do not have to volunteer information about your health, but if the DMV discovers a concern — through a failed vision screening, a report from your doctor, or an accident — they can require you to prove you can still drive safely. The road test is the standard way they do this.
If you know you have a condition that might affect your driving, you can ask your doctor to write a letter confirming you are safe to drive. Bring it with you when you renew. This can sometimes prevent the DMV from ordering a test, though it is not may provide.
How to learn about you personally need to retake the test
The most direct way is to contact your state's DMV. Call your local office or visit the website and look for a section on license renewal or reinstatement. Many states have online tools where you can enter your license number and see what you need to do.
If you are renewing by mail or online, the form or website will tell you whether a test is required. If you are unsure, do not submit the renewal — call first. Submitting a renewal when you actually need a test can delay your license and create confusion.
If your license was suspended or revoked, the DMV will have sent you a notice explaining what you need to do to get it back. If you lost that notice, call and ask for a copy. It will spell out whether retesting is required and what kind of test you need to pass.
What to expect when you retake the road test
The road test is the same one you took when you first got your license — you drive with an examiner in the car, and they watch how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes and covers basic skills like parking, turning, stopping, and merging.
You will need to bring your current ID, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and in safe working condition. If you do not have a car, some DMV offices have vehicles you can use, though you may need to reserve one in advance.
If you fail, you can usually retake the test after a waiting period — often a few days to a week. Most states let you retake it as many times as you need, though some limit the number of attempts per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the written test if I only have to retake the road test?
Not always. If you are retaking the road test because of a violation or medical concern, you usually only need to pass the road test. If your license expired for a very long time, you may need both tests. Your DMV notice will specify which tests are required.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week. Most states allow unlimited retakes, though some cap the number per year. You will have to pay the test fee again each time you retake it.
Can I drive while I am waiting to retake the test?
If your license is suspended or revoked, no — driving is illegal and can result in arrest. If you are straightforward renewing and a test is required, you can usually drive on your expired license for a grace period while you schedule the test. Check your state's rules to be sure.
Do I need to take a driver's education course before I retake the test?
Usually not, unless the DMV specifically orders it as part of a suspension or conviction. Some states recommend a refresher course if you have not driven in a long time, but it is not required to retake the test.
How much does it cost to retake the road test?
Road test fees vary by state, usually between $10 and $50. Some states charge more if you are retaking it after a suspension. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee in your area.