California DMV Faces Lawmaker Inquiry Over Alleged Driver Test Cheating

California lawmakers have opened an investigation into the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after the agency notified roughly 11,000 licensed drivers that they may have benefited from irregularities on their written driver‑license knowledge tests. Recipients were instructed to retake the exam within 30 days or risk having their licenses cancelled.

Sen. Tony Strickland, vice‑chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, demanded clarification on how the alleged cheating was identified, asking whether in‑person exams were properly monitored and what safeguards existed for online testing. Senate Transportation Committee chair Sen. Dave Cortese criticized the DMV’s language, noting that many drivers interpreted the notices as an accusation of cheating despite the lack of explicit claims. Cortese highlighted the practical burden of returning to DMV offices and warned that a suspended license can jeopardize employment, medical care and family responsibilities.

The lawmakers are pressing the DMV for a detailed explanation of its investigative methods and for assurances that similar issues will be prevented in the future.