SF 715

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 01/28/2025 10:43 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; authorizing a third-party testing program for driver's
license knowledge, road, and skills tests; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024,
section 171.13, subdivision 1.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Examination subjects and locations; provisions for color blindness,
disabled veterans.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the commissioner must
examine each applicant for a driver's license by such agency as the commissioner directs.
This examination must include:

(1) a test of the applicant's eyesight, provided that this requirement is met by submission
of a vision examination certificate under section 171.06, subdivision 7;

(2) a test of the applicant's ability to read and understand highway signs regulating,
warning, and directing traffic;

(3) a test of the applicant's knowledge of (i) traffic laws; (ii) the effects of alcohol and
drugs on a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and legally, and of the legal
penalties and financial consequences resulting from violations of laws prohibiting the
operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; (iii) railroad
grade crossing safety; (iv) slow-moving vehicle safety; (v) laws relating to pupil
transportation safety, including the significance of school bus lights, signals, stop arm, and
passing a school bus; (vi) traffic laws related to bicycles; and (vii) the circumstances and
dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning;

(4) an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the
operation of a motor vehicle; and

(5) other physical and mental examinations as the commissioner finds necessary to
determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner must not deny an application for
a driver's license based on the exclusive grounds that the applicant's eyesight is deficient in
color perception or that the applicant has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. War veterans
operating motor vehicles especially equipped for disabled persons, if otherwise entitled to
a license, must be granted such license.

(c) The commissioner must ensure that an applicant may take an exam either in the
county where the applicant resides or in an adjacent county at a reasonably convenient
location. The schedule for each exam station must be posted on the department's website.

(d) The commissioner shall ensure that an applicant is able to obtain an appointment for
an examination to demonstrate ability under paragraph (a), clause (4), within 14 days of the
applicant's request if, under the applicable statutes and rules of the commissioner, the
applicant is eligible to take the examination.

(e) The commissioner must provide real-time information on the department's website
about the availability and location of exam appointments. The website must show the next
available exam dates and times for each exam station. The website must also provide an
option for a person to enter an address to see the date and time of the next available exam
at each exam station sorted by distance from the address provided.

new text begin (f) The commissioner must deputize any deputy registrar appointed pursuant to section
168.33 to create a third-party testing program and authorize the appointment of third-party
testers to administer any knowledge, road, or skills tests as required under this section and
as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 7410.4100, subpart 11. A deputy registrar may establish
and collect fees for any knowledge test, or combination of knowledge tests, not to exceed
$5 and for the road or skills tests not to exceed $30.
new text end