This bill amends the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new section, 17B-2-16, which establishes a waiver of examination for individuals who successfully complete a driver's education course. Under the new provisions, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will accept a "High School Driver Education Certificate" issued by certified driver education teachers in lieu of the written and road skill examinations typically required for obtaining a driver's license. This certificate will be valid for six months, during which no further testing by the DMV is necessary unless the certificate expires. Additionally, it mandates that all applicable fees for the issuance of a driver's license must be paid to the DMV upon acceptance of the certificate.
The bill clarifies that while the DMV will generally examine all applicants for an operator's license, students under 18 who transfer their out-of-state licenses will still be required to undergo written and road tests by the DMV. This legislative change aims to streamline the licensing process for young drivers who have completed a driver's education course, thereby reducing the testing burden on both students and the DMV.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 17B-2-16