The California Department of Motor Vehicles is suspending walk-in visits and immediately canceling all behind-the-wheel driving tests for the next 30 days as part of its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The DMV will contact those who had driving tests scheduled, according to a statement the department released Wednesday evening describing new efforts it’s taking to limit the spread of the virus.

Starting Thursday, the department also will turn away anyone who comes to an office without an appointment. Those customers will be given an opportunity to schedule a visit, the department said.

The DMV also is suspending extended office hours that it has been using to accommodate a surge of customers seeking Real ID licenes. Going forward, DMV offices will be open for appointments only Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DMV offices will feature reduced seating in order to help people practice social distancing, the activity of maintaining at least six feet of distance in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“Other measures DMV is taking to promote social distancing include offering a texting service so customers can check in, leave the office and come back inside once they are notified by text of their place in line,” according to a DMV statement.

The move comes as both DMV customers and employees have complained that the agency isn’t doing enough to protect people from the spread of COVID-19.

This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 6:58 PM with the headline "California DMV bans walk-in visits, suspends driving tests to limit coronavirus spread."