The California DMV has announced that it will be resuming behind-the-wheel driving tests starting Monday, February 1.
Anyone who previously had an appointment scheduled between December 14 and February 1 will be automatically rescheduled. They will be notified of their new appointment date via text message, according to the DMV.
The DMV had temporarily suspended driving tests back in mid-December. As COVID-19 cases surged in California, the department cited the safety of their employees and customers as the reason behind their decision.
"These tests require two people to share space in one vehicle and that presents potential risk to both parties, particularly while COVID-19 is circulation widely throughout the state," said the DMV in a statement.
When customers went to the DMV's website after December 14, the only available option for behind-the-wheel driving tests was a cancellation.
The DMV says new appointments will start to become available by mid-February.
"To protect customers and employees, the DMV requires everyone who enters DMV offices to wear a face covering, physically distance, respond to health screening questions, and have their temperature checked,” according to a DMV statement. “To best serve customers and maintain appropriate distance, the number of people allowed in the office is limited, chairs are appropriately spaced and plexiglass has been installed.”
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