BILL REQ. #:  S-0526.2 

Read first time 01/17/11.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to limiting the issuance of motorcycle instruction permits; and amending RCW 46.20.510.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 46.20.510 and 2002 c 352 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Motorcycle instruction permit. A person holding a valid driver's license who wishes to learn to ride a motorcycle may apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. The department may issue a motorcycle instruction permit after the applicant has successfully passed all parts of the motorcycle examination other than the driving test. The director shall collect a fee of fifteen dollars for the motorcycle instruction permit or renewal, and deposit the fee in the motorcycle safety education account of the highway safety fund.
     (2) Effect of motorcycle instruction permit. A person holding a motorcycle instruction permit may drive a motorcycle upon the public highways if the person has immediate possession of the permit and a valid driver's license. An individual with a motorcyclist's instruction permit may not carry passengers and may not operate a motorcycle during the hours of darkness.
     (3) Term of motorcycle instruction permit. A motorcycle instruction permit is valid for ninety days from the date of issue.
     (a) The department may issue one additional ninety-day permit.
     (b) The department may issue a third and final motorcycle instruction permit ((if it finds after an investigation that the permittee is diligently seeking to improve driving proficiency)) upon presentation of documented evidence that the permittee is enrolled in a motorcycle skills education program as authorized in RCW 46.81A.020 with a class start date prior to the expiration of the third permit.