Driver education and testing related to school bus safety. (FE)

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Under current law, most operator's licenses issued by the Department of Transportation must be renewed every eight years. In general, an applicant for renewal of an operator's license must pass an eyesight test and have his or her photograph taken. Under this bill, an applicant for renewal must also complete a verbal school bus safety examination that includes a test of the applicant's awareness of the hazards posed by other motor vehicles to school buses and passengers loading onto or unloading from school buses and of the statutes that require motorists to stop when a school bus is displaying flashing lights. The applicant's performance on the examination does not affect whether or not the applicant's license is renewed and, to the extent feasible, DOT must ensure that the examination does not extend the time necessary to compete the renewal procedure.

Currently, applicants for an initial operator's license must generally complete a knowledge test and driving skills test. The bill specifies that the knowledge test administered to these applicants must include material testing the applicant's knowledge of the hazards posed by other motor vehicles to school buses and passengers loading onto or unloading from school buses and of the provisions of the statutes that require motorists to stop when a school bus is displaying flashing lights.

Who's behind it

5 senators are its authors⁠. 3 are Democrats and 2 are Republicans.

8 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DOT
• Fiscal Estimate From DPI
• Fiscal Estimate From WTCS