FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2095

C 101 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Clarifying the permitting, training, and licensing process for driver training schools.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Orwall, Finn, Upthegrove, Simpson, Rodne and Quall).

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

In 2006 the licensing of driver training schools and instructors was placed under the authority of the Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act, giving the Department of Licensing (DOL) the same authority over those entities and individuals that it has over other licensees.

In addition, any instructor, owner, or other person affiliated with a driver training school who has contact with students is required to undergo a background check through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. An applicant for a driver instructor's license is also ineligible to receive such a license if the applicant had an alcohol-related traffic violation or incident within the preceding seven years.

Summary:

The membership of the driver instructors' advisory committee is increased from five members to seven, and two of the members are required to reside east of the Cascades. Members' entitlement to be reimbursed for travel expenses related to the committee is eliminated.

Requirements regarding liability insurance are clarified to extend only to instruction vehicles and building premises of a driver training school.

Individuals who have a drug or alcohol-related traffic infraction in the preceding three years, or two or more such incidents at any time, are ineligible for a driver instructor's license, as are those with a driver's license suspension, cancellation, revocation, or denial within the preceding two years, or two or more such incidents in the preceding five years. The valid period for a driver instructor's license, if it is received, is extended to two years, and the requirement for a requalification exam every five years is eliminated.

The requirement regarding background checks is narrowed to include only those individuals who have regularly scheduled, unsupervised contact with students.

The DOL is granted the authority to waive or extend the 35-mile radius for the establishment of branch offices or classrooms when a driver training school is located in counties below the median population density.

In addition, a variety of technical changes and clarifications are made in such areas as record retention, school locations, instructor examinations, and license renewal.

Votes on Final Passage: