As a way of reducing wait times in offices and increasing driver’s license identification security, SHB 1635 would allow the Department of Licensing to authorize school districts that offer a driver’s ed program and private business driving schools to administer knowledge and driving tests.
WSSDA worked with the bill sponsor, Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-West Seattle, to make sure school districts were included in the development of standards and requirements for administering these portions of the exam and were exempted in the liability sections. A new bill based on our conversations is being offered by the sponsor, and is expected to be adopted.
In addition, WSSDA has requested that school districts with traffic safety education programs be represented on the advisory committee to ensure they have a voice in program evaluation and the report to the Legislature. Rep. Upthegrove said that he is continuing to work on this issue and the committee will be balanced if one is created in the final bill. The amendment still includes an advisory committee, but membership details are still in flux.
According to OSPI, 99 school districts provide traffic safety education and ESD 113 offers a cooperative program. It is unclear how many school districts might participate in this program, and WSSDA is interested in hearing from those districts that offer a driver’s ed program to get your feedback. Please email Marie Sullivan at m.sullivan@wssda.org.
The bill is expected to be part of a group of transportation bills that will be taken up by the House before the Monday, March 7, 5 p.m. cutoff.
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
