This bill amends the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new section, 17B-2-16, which establishes a waiver of examination for certain applicants seeking a driver's license. Specifically, students who are enrolled in and successfully complete a driver education course will receive a "High School Driver Education Certificate" from their certified instructor. This certificate will allow them to bypass the written and road skill examinations typically required by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a period of six months. However, if the certificate expires, full testing will be required to obtain a driver's license. Additionally, individuals under the age of 18 who are transferring an out-of-state license to West Virginia will still need to undergo the written and road tests administered by the DMV.
The bill also stipulates that all applicable fees for the issuance of a driver's license must be paid to the DMV upon acceptance of the "High School Driver Education Certificate." This legislative change aims to streamline the licensing process for young drivers who have completed a driver education program, thereby encouraging safe driving practices while reducing the testing burden on both students and the DMV.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 17B-2-16