HB 2417

Brief Description: Modifying certain driver's license requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Pike, Moeller and Wylie.

Hearing Date: 1/21/16

Staff: Jennifer Harris (786-7143).

Background:

Intermediate License Logbook.

A person can only be eligible for a driver's license when he or she reaches the age of 18. Individuals between the ages of 16 and 18 can be eligible for an intermediate driver's license if certain criteria are met. To obtain an intermediate driver's license, an applicant must: (1) have possession of a valid instruction permit for at least six months; (2) have passed a driver licensing examination; (3) have passed a course of driver's education; (4) present certification by his or her parent, guardian, or employer to the Department of Licensing (DOL) stating that the applicant has met supervised driving requirements and that the applicant has not been issued a notice of traffic infraction or cited for a traffic violation that is pending at the time of the application; (5) not have been convicted of or found to have committed a traffic violation in the past six months; and (6) not have been adjudicated for an offense involving the use of alcohol or drugs during the period the applicant held an instruction permit.

An intermediate license logbook is provided by the DOL to be used to record supervised driving practice and track that minimum requirements are met. There is currently no legal or regulatory requirement to present the logbook before an applicant can receive an intermediate driver's license. To be eligible to receive an intermediate driver's license, a parent, guardian, or employer of an applicant must certify that the applicant has had at least 50 hours of driving experience, 10 of which were at night, during which the driver was supervised by a person at least 21 years of age who has had a valid driver's license for at least three years.

Driving Road Test.

To obtain a driver's license for the first time, all individuals must pass a driver licensing examination that includes a vision test, a written test, and a road test. Washington law does not currently mandate the contents of the driving road test, apart from requiring that it include an actual demonstration of the applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle without jeopardizing the safety of persons or property. The DOL is otherwise granted authority to prescribe the content of the road test. The road test currently tests the following driving skill areas: starting a vehicle, leaving the curb, controlling the vehicle, driving in traffic, obeying traffic signals and signs, driving through blind or crowded intersections, stopping, backing up, judging distance, respecting the rights of others, and performing specific maneuvers. The road test's current duration is roughly 18 minutes.

Summary of Bill:

Intermediate License Logbook.

This bill augments the current requirements for receiving an intermediate driver's license. It requires the contents of the intermediate license logbook to be verified by the driving road test exam administrator prior to administration of the exam. To be verified as complete, the logbook must show that the applicant has had at least 50 hours of driving experience, 10 of which were at night, during which the driver was supervised by a person at least 21 years of age who has had a valid driver's license for at least three years.

Driving Road Test.

Passage of the driving road test is one of several requirements that must be met to receive a driver's license. This bill mandates that the driving road test: (1) include a demonstration by the applicant of the driving skills commonly required in the operation of a motor vehicle, and (2) be developed to take at least 30 minutes to administer.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2016.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2017.