BILL REQ. #:  H-3817.1 

Read first time 01/16/2004.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to driver training; and amending RCW 46.82.280 and 46.82.300.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 46.82.280 and 1986 c 80 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section shall apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Concurrent method of instruction" means the behind-the-wheel component of driver training instruction is integrated with the classroom component of driver training instruction.
     (2) "Consecutive method of instruction" means the behind-the-wheel component of driver training instruction is taught separately from the classroom component of driver training instruction.
     (3) "Driver training school" means a commercial driver training school engaged in the business of giving instruction, for a fee, in the operation of automobiles.
     (((2))) (4) "Director" means the director of the department of licensing of the state of Washington.
     (((3))) (5) "Advisory committee" means the driving instructors' advisory committee as created in this chapter.
     (((4))) (6) "Fraudulent practices" means any conduct or representation on the part of a licensee under this chapter tending to induce anyone to believe, or to give the impression, that a license to operate a motor vehicle or any other license granted by the director may be obtained by any means other than those prescribed by law, or furnishing or obtaining the same by illegal or improper means, or requesting, accepting, or collecting money for such purposes.
     (((5))) (7) "Instructor" means any person employed by a driver training school to instruct persons in the operation of automobiles.
     (((6))) (8) "Place of business" means a designated location at which the business of a driver training school is transacted and its records are kept.
     (((7))) (9) "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, or association.

Sec. 2   RCW 46.82.300 and 2002 c 195 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The director shall be assisted in the duties and responsibilities of this chapter by the driver instructors' advisory committee, consisting of five members. Members of the advisory committee shall be appointed by the director for two-year terms and shall consist of a representative of the driver training schools, a representative of the driving instructors (who shall not be from the same school as the school member), a representative of the superintendent of public instruction, a representative of the department of licensing, and a representative from the Washington state traffic safety commission. Members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. A member who is receiving a salary from the state shall not receive compensation other than travel expenses incurred in such service.
     (2) The advisory committee shall meet at least semiannually and shall have additional meetings as may be called by the director. The director or the director's representative shall attend all meetings of the advisory committee and shall serve as chairman.
     (3) Duties of the advisory committee shall be to:
     (a) Advise and confer with the director or the director's representative on matters pertaining to the establishment of rules necessary to carry out this chapter;
     (b) Review violations of this chapter and to recommend to the director appropriate enforcement or disciplinary action as provided in this chapter;
     (c) Review and update when necessary a curriculum consisting of a list of items of knowledge and the processes of driving a motor vehicle specifying the minimum requirements adjudged necessary in teaching a proper and adequate course of driver education. Driver training curricula may be based on either consecutive methods of instruction or concurrent methods of instruction;
     (d) Review and update instructor certification standards to be consistent with RCW 46.82.330 and take into consideration those standards required to be met by traffic safety education teachers under RCW 28A.220.020(3); and
     (e) Prepare the examination for a driver instructor's certificate and review examination results at least once each calendar year for the purpose of updating and revising examination standards.