The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has extended its temporary suspension of behind-the-wheel driving tests until at least the end of the month due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

The DMV previously suspended the tests until Jan. 11, however, it is now suspended until the end of January, according to a statement released from the DMV. 

The DMV is taking this step for the health and safety of customers and employees during the ongoing statewide surge in COVID-19 cases, the statement said.

Customers with scheduled appointments through Jan. 29 are expected to be notified their tests are postponed, according to officials. 

The DMV is set to automatically reschedule the tests at a later date.

In-vehicle testing is a requirement for first-time driver’s license holders and commercial license applicants, according to officials. 

The temporary suspension includes commercial and noncommercial tests, but does not apply to motorcycle drive tests, which can be conducted at a safe distance, according to DMV officials.

The DMV previously extended eligible permits with expiration dates through May 31, 2021, for six months from the date of expiration, or to a date 24 months from the date of application, whichever is earlier, according to officials. 

This automatic extension requires no paperwork and gives student drivers more time during the COVID-19 pandemic to complete the prerequisites needed for a provisional license, according to officials.

In accordance with updated guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the DMV is issuing an extension through Feb. 28, 2021, to all commercial driver’s licenses, commercial learner’s permits and endorsements expiring between March 2020 and Feb. 28, 2021, according to officials. 

Commercial drivers with current, valid medical certifications that expire on or after Sept. 1, 2020 through Feb. 28, 2021, have an extension until Feb. 28, 2021, to obtain a new certification, according to DMV officials.

To protect customers and employees, the DMV requires everyone who enters DMV offices to wear a face covering, physically distance and have their temperature checked. 

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.

Safety measures in place for when behind-the-wheel tests resume include required face coverings, temperature checks, cracked windows for increased air circulation and seat covers, according to officials.

While DMV offices remain open to serve the public, the DMV continues to encourage all customers to use its online services, expanded virtual services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. 

Nearly all Californians can now renew their driver’s license online, even if the renewal notice states an office visit is required, according to DMV officials. 

Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.