Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation: How It Works

A supplemental driving performance evaluation (SDPE) is a driving test conducted by the DMV. The Department uses the test in its reexamination process to re-evaluate your ability to drive safely.

The SDPE is similar to the “Behind the Wheel” test the DMV administers to new drivers. However, the evaluation focuses more on drivers with vision difficulties and medical conditions. The DMV has the authority to suspend your driver’s license if you fail the evaluation.

Note that if the DMV suspends your license because you failed a SDPE, you can:

• request a hearing, and
• try to challenge the Department’s decision.

Our DMV hearing attorneys will discuss the following in this article:

• 1. What is a supplemental driving performance evaluation?
• 2. What happens after I perform the evaluation?
• 3. Can I challenge a suspension?
• 4. What happens during a reexamination hearing?
• Additional resources

1. What is a supplemental driving performance evaluation?

A supplemental driving performance evaluation is a driving test conducted by the California DMV. 1

Sometimes the Department learns of a condition that may impact your ability to drive safely.

These conditions may include:

• a lapse of consciousness,
• vision difficulties,
• physical conditions, or
• mental conditions.

In this situation, the Department has you undergo an SDPE. The aim is to determine if:

1. you pose a risk to traffic safety, and
2. you can drive safely enough to keep your driving privileges. 2

SDPEs are often used to test the driving performance of elderly drivers. Though the DMV can test drivers of all ages with a harmful medical condition.

The test itself is similar to the “Behind the Wheel” test the DMV administers to new drivers. This test is also referred to as the “Driving Performance Evaluation,” or “DPE.”

A main difference between the two tests, though, is that the supplemental test is geared more towards drivers with:

• vision impairments, or
• other physical or mental conditions that may affect your ability to drive. 3

Though like the DPE, the supplemental evaluation tests on:

• backing up a car,
• turning a vehicle,
• parking lot driving,
• intersection safety,
• changing lanes,
• parking,
• freeway driving,
• driving hazards, and
• railroad crossing. 4

You also have to complete a safe driver checklist, which includes some tasks like:

• locating the vehicle’s controls,
• safely starting the car,
• performing defensive driving techniques, and
• parking on a hill. 5

The DMV has many elderly drivers take the SDPE.

2. What happens after I perform an evaluation?

A driving examiner writes a report after you complete a SDPE. This examiner rides in the same vehicle as you during the completion of the test.

The report critiques and assesses your performance in the evaluation. The report is then forwarded to a DMV hearing officer.

The officer reviews the report and then, based on its findings, decides whether to:

• suspend your driving privileges, or
• allow you to keep your license. 6

If a suspension, then the DMV sends you an Order of Suspension.

The basis for a suspension is often:

• a physical or mental condition that hinders your ability to drive safely, or
• you lack the skill to drive. 7

The DMV may allow you to re-take a supplemental driving performance evaluation.

Though the Department does not have to. The DMV typically allows a re-take if:

• there is no immediate hazard to the public, and
• you appear to improve with each extra test. 8

3. Can I challenge a suspension?

If the DMV suspends your license because you failed an SDPE, you can:

• request a DMV reexamination hearing, and
• try to challenge the Department’s decision.

You must request a hearing within 10 days of receiving the Order of Suspension.

A reexamination hearing is a DMV proceeding in which the Department re-evaluates your ability to drive safely. 9

You win a hearing by convincing the DMV that:

1. you can drive safely, and
2. you can do so despite a vision impairment or a medical condition.

At the completion of this hearing, a hearing officer may order:

1. the reinstatement of your driving privileges (if previously removed),
2. a driver medical evaluation,
3. a medical probation,
4. a restricted driving permit or license,
5. a license suspension, or
6. the revocation of your driving privileges. 10

If the DMV suspends your license, you can challenge it.

4. What happens during a reexamination hearing?

A reexamination is usually conducted in a DMV regional office.

The hearing is conducted by a “hearing officer.” This person is a DMV employee and is not:

The hearing often includes two separate phases. These are the:

• interview stage, and
• hearing stage.

The interview stage is when the hearing officer interviews you. The officer asks questions concerning why you may no longer be able to drive safely. Depending on the answers, the hearing officer may suspend your license after the completion of the interview.

If a suspension occurs after an interview, then a hearing is scheduled. The hearing takes place within 14 days of the interview. The hearing is your opportunity to show the DMV that:

1. it should reverse the decision it reached at the interview, and
2. you pose no risk to traffic safety.

You may present evidence of your safe driving during the hearing. This evidence may include:

• medical records,
• statements from friends and family,
• test results, and
• any relevant videos.

If you show you can drive safely, the hearing officer may reverse its initial decision.

Additional resources

For more information, refer to these informational pages by the California DMV:

• Supplemental/Area Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet Sample
• Additional Testing Elements for the SDPE
• Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet Sample
• DMV Driving Test
• How to Prepare for a Driving Test

Legal References:

1. See California DMV publication – “Preparing For Your Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation.”
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