An Act To Ensure the Administration of Written Driving Tests

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  there is some confusion relating to the administration of the issuance of a learner's permit and a driver's license; and

Whereas,  it is in the best interests of the State to clarify the authority for these duties as soon as possible; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1301, sub-§4,  as amended by PL 2013, c. 381, Pt. B, §15, is further amended to read:

Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §1304, sub-§1-A,  as enacted by PL 2013, c. 493, §1, is amended to read:

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill provides that the Secretary of State may not waive any component of the driver's license examination requirements except for an applicant who possesses a valid driver's license from another state or jurisdiction. The bill also clarifies that fees and any required application materials for a learner's permit must be collected by the Secretary of State, any examination for a learner's permit must be administered by the Secretary of State and a learner's permit must be issued by the Secretary of State.