SB 354

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.

Also under the bill, driver education courses offered by school districts,

technical colleges, and licensed private driver schools must provide instruction in the

the hazards posed by other motor vehicles to school buses and passengers loading

onto or unloading from school buses and with the provisions of the statutes that

require motorists to stop when a school bus is displaying flashing lights.