Renewing your driver’s license can feel stressful — especially when it comes to passing the written test. But for some drivers, it seems the Department of Motor Vehicles isn’t making the process difficult enough. In fact, according to a new report from CalMatters, drivers convicted of serious, even deadly, crimes are still getting their licenses renewed.
The investigation found that nearly 40% of California drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter since 2019 still hold valid driver's licenses. That includes one man who was convicted in two separate deadly crashes — one that killed a 16-year-old girl and another that killed a 25-year-old woman in the same month. Despite that, the DMV issued him a license.
NBC Palm Springs contributors Tammy Bleck and Brad Ward reacted to the findings during a recent segment.
Tammy was stunned: “It’s ludicrous. Driving is a privilege. And if you break that trust — especially by killing someone — you don’t deserve a second or third chance to do it again.”
Brad agreed, adding, “It’s not something you get and keep forever. You earn it every time you drive. One mistake, especially if paired with a reckless history, should be enough to disqualify someone.”
The discussion turned to what kind of infractions should automatically lead to license suspension or revocation.
“Accidents happen,” Tammy acknowledged, “but if someone has repeated violations or a criminal driving history, the system should flag that. There should be a threshold where the DMV steps in — not after 16 infractions or two deaths.”
While both contributors agreed on the need for reform, they also stressed the importance of distinguishing between one-time tragedies and repeated patterns of recklessness.
The CalMatters report is now sparking wider debate across the state, raising tough questions about how the DMV monitors and evaluates drivers with serious criminal histories behind the wheel.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Fred Roggin
April 16, 2025
