SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1540
As Passed Senate, March 22, 2023
Title: An act relating to requiring driver training curriculum to include instruction on sharing the road with large vehicles, including commercial motor vehicles and buses.
Brief Description: Requiring driver training curriculum to include instruction on sharing the road with large vehicles, including commercial motor vehicles and buses.
Sponsors: Representatives Hutchins, Timmons, Low, Cheney, Cortes, Bronoske, Couture, Griffey, Donaghy, Robertson, Barkis, Simmons, Reed, Klicker, Riccelli, Doglio, Berry, Ramel, Paul, Graham and Rule.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/23, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/09/23 [DP].
Floor Activity: Passed Senate: 3/22/23, 48-0.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Adds commercial vehicle, bus, and other large vehicle awareness to the required curriculum for driver training schools and school districts providing a traffic safety education program.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Liias, Chair; Lovick, Vice Chair; Shewmake, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Cleveland, Fortunato, Kauffman, Lovelett, Nobles, Padden, Randall, Valdez, Wilson, C. and Wilson, J..
Staff: Brandon Popovac (786-7465)
Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) requires individuals under the age of 18 to obtain an instruction permit and to complete a driver training education course to be eligible to obtain an intermediate driver's license. These requirements do not apply to individuals aged 18 or older.
 
Private driver training schools and some school districts offer driver training education courses.
 
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and DOL are required to jointly develop and maintain a required curriculum for school districts and approved private schools operating a traffic safety education program. The required curriculum for driver training schools and school districts providing a traffic safety education program must include the following information:

  • the safe, lawful, and responsible operation of motor vehicles;
  • intermediate driver's license issuance;
  • passenger and driving restrictions, and sanctions for violating these restrictions;
  • the effect of traffic violations and collisions on driving privileges;
  • the effects of alcohol and drug use on motor vehicle operators;
  • motorcycle awareness;
  • bicycle safety;
  • pedestrian safety;
  • proper use of the left-hand lane by motor vehicles on multilane highways; and
  • bicyclists' and pedestrians' rights and responsibilities and suggested riding procedures in common traffic situations.
Summary of Bill:

Commercial vehicle, bus, and other large vehicle awareness is added to the required curriculum for driver training schools and school districts providing a traffic safety education program to ensure instruction in the importance of sharing the road with such vehicles.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

No public hearing was held.
Persons Testifying: N/A
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: N/A