OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 5648

AN ACT REQUIRING MANDATORY RETESTING OF KNOWLEDGE OF DRIVING LAWS PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR'S LICENSE TO A PERSON WHO IS SIXTEEN OR SEVENTEEN YEARS OF AGE.

SUMMARY:

By law, someone under age 18 may be issued a learner's permit only after passing both a vision screening and knowledge test on the motor vehicle laws and rules of the road (CGS § 14-36(c)). Currently, the motor vehicle commissioner may also administer, at his discretion, a comprehensive knowledge test at the time the person is issued a driver's license. The bill makes this second knowledge test mandatory, to be administered within existing budgetary resources. Thus, under the bill, the commissioner must give two knowledge tests to anyone under age 18—one when issuing the learner's permit and another when issuing the driver's license.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Current Testing Policy

The law was changed in 2008 to give the commissioner discretion to administer a second knowledge test. Since October 2008, the comprehensive knowledge has been given at the time the learner's permit is issued and no knowledge test has been required at the licensing stage.

Legislative History

The House referred the bill (File 361) to the Appropriations Committee on April 7. The committee reported it favorably on April 15 with the added stipulation that DMV administer the second knowledge test within existing budgetary resources.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Transportation Committee

Joint Favorable

Appropriations Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute