New rules and a new year.
I didn't have to take a driving test to get my class "A" noncommercial license the first time I took the exam. and I didn't have to the second time I had to renew it years later. I just took the written test, I guess I was one of the lucky applicants. I also took my test at a small Whittier office with a phone in appointment.
If I had to do it all over again I wouldn't even waist my time, if you drive safe and don't become obvious to law enforcement you will be OK.