This bill amends RSA 263:14, II(a) to allow for a waiver of the driver education requirement for applicants under 18 years of age. Currently, applicants under 18 must either meet the requirements of RSA 263:17 or provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian and a certificate of successful completion of a driver education course. The bill adds a new paragraph, RSA 263:19(V), which states that the commissioner shall waive the driver education course requirement if a responsible adult, such as a parent, guardian, or another adult, who has a valid New Hampshire driver's license, provides instruction and 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training. The bill also adds that the instruction can be provided either in person or online. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

The fiscal note for this bill indicates that there will be an increase in expenditures for the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Currently, the DMV has one staff member overseeing the driver education program. The waiver process will require the addition of one part-time employee to review and respond to waiver requests. This additional position will cost approximately $25,000 annually beginning in FY 2024. There are no anticipated changes in revenue or appropriations as a result of this bill. The funding for the additional position will come from the Driver Training Fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 263:14, 263:19