Good afternoon Tatiana987,
You have my compassion, as I just began my license suspension on 11/9/25, after having tried to be proactive about my health for a few years, due to vasovagal presyncopal episodes, although some in the medical community and the DMV make no distinction between presyncope and actual syncope. It just took one physician, who himself did not make a report (concerned enough to pressure my primary but not enough to deal with the DMV himself) but contacted my primary care (who had already been working with me, my neurologist, and my recent cardiologist to evaluate my condition), resulting in an immediate license suspension of indeterminate duration by the DMV. Have requested a DMV/Administrative Law hearing, to take place in December. Attorney specializing in license suspension hearings for 30 years stated I did not need his involvement at this time (and said he charges $400/hour, but kindly provided pro bono initial phone consultation). DMV, with one brief exception, has been totally bureaucratic and cold as ice with my efforts to seek clarifying information. Have been able to secure approval for transportation for local medical appointments only, although, understandably, none available for primary care appointment today, during Thanksgiving week, since they're all volunteers. And since I'm in small town America, some of my specialist appointments are 3 - 5 hours away. No other local support available - buses only run M-F on limited schedules and routes, so I have predominantly been on foot. Have been learning along the way...takes longer for seniors to walk, especially in the cold and rain...homeless folks, also on foot, have been sources of concern and kindness...accessible restrooms are few when you appear to be homeless...hardly any benches for those on foot to rest...limited resources if you're just above low income...may have to pay for medical records and physician testimonies to advocate for myself...possibly higher car insurance costs...have to pay reinstatement fees...prescriptions may be advised but unaffordable, due to all of these expenses...cab fares can add up...etc.
Anyway, you might try contacting California Driver Advocates. They are less costly than attorneys and only do drivers license defenses. And, FYI, DMV can suspend first, seek medical clarification later.
Hope this last resource is helpful.
@cherylkolevzon,
What a terrible situation for you not being able to drive! They certainly weren't considerate towards your situation either. I'm 79 and have to take an eye exam since I wear glasses in order to renew my driver's license. I worry about their exam. I see fine with my glasses but I do know that they don't like older people driving so I just wonder? However, I will pray about it and will probably pass the eye exam. If I don't that doesn't mean I will stop driving my car even though it would be illegal to do that. What else can you do? I can't afford cabs and with all the homeless and criminals around it's not safe to walk as you mentioned. If you drive at times when there isn't much traffic like early AM and drive safely following all laws it should be OK. Also only drive when you really have to. Even with my legal license I now only drive to the doctor, grocery store, gas station and sometimes the bank. I don't think they'd even notice I was driving without a license. But I don't want to do that. I'd rather be legal.
I hope things work out better for you. I'll say a prayer for you.
I wish you the best.
PML