Minneslate Logo

SF2271 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Driver's license agents authorization to conduct behind-the-wheel road tests for class D drivers' licenses

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes changes to Minnesota's motor vehicle laws to allow driver’s license agents to conduct behind-the-wheel road tests for Class D driver's licenses. It includes provisions for:

  1. Authorization of Driver's License Agents: Establishing a "deputy testing program" that permits approved agents and "deputy testers" to administer road tests.

  2. Application & Approval Process: Specifying requirements for driver’s license agents to apply and be authorized as a testing program, including insurance coverage, test route approval, and maintaining certified testers.

  3. Certifications & Qualifications: Certifying deputy testers who meet specific qualifications, such as holding a valid driver’s license, completing required training, and passing an examination.

  4. Testing & Reporting Standards: Maintaining regulation of testing procedures, record keeping, and reporting obligations, including annual audits and inspections conducted by the Department of Public Safety.

  5. Compliance & Enforcement: Allowing the Commissioner of Public Safety to revoke, suspend, or deny testing program approvals for noncompliance while also permitting programs to appeal such decisions.

  6. Implementation Constraints: Requiring the program to be implemented with existing resources and limiting the hiring of additional state staff for oversight.

The bill aims to expand access to road tests, improve efficiency, and maintain testing integrity through oversight and audits.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toTransportation
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New provisions for ensuring examination locations and online appointment scheduling."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies requirements related to drivers license examinations under section 171.13.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies that applications for drivers licenses cannot be denied solely on grounds of color perception deficiency or having diabetes mellitus.",
        "Revises language to emphasize convenience for applicants to take exams in their county or adjacent counties."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.13",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This citation relates to the requirement of submitting a vision examination certificate as part of the driver's license examination under 171.13.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "171.06",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines applicant in the context of a driver's license agent applying under sections 171.70 to 171.82.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.002",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 12a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "All deputy testing programs and deputy testers are subject to section 13.05 subdivision 11, regarding data practices.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "13.05",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 11"
  }
]

Sponsors