SB815: Driver training schools; length of daily instruction.

SENATE BILL NO. 815

Offered January 9, 2013
Prefiled December 20, 2012
A BILL to amend and reenact 46.2-1702 of the Code of Virginia, relating to driver training schools; length of daily instruction.
Patron-- Wagner

Referred to Committee on Transportation

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That 46.2-1702 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

46.2-1702. Certification of driver education courses by Commissioner.

The Commissioner shall have the authority to approve as a driver education course satisfying the requirements of 46.2-334 any course which is offered by any driver training school licensed under the provisions of this chapter if he finds that the course is of comparable content and quality to that offered in the Commonwealth's public schools. In making such finding, the Commissioner shall not require that the instructors of any driver training school meet the certification requirements of teachers in the Commonwealth's public schools.

The Commissioner shall have authority to approve any driver education course offered by any Class A licensee if he finds the course meets the requirements for such courses as set forth in this chapter and as otherwise established by the Department. Driver education courses offered by any Class B licensee shall be based on the driver education curriculum currently approved by the Department of Education and the Department. However, a Class B licensee shall be authorized to determine its own length of daily instruction and shall not be required to comply with limitations on the length of daily instruction required by the Department of Education for driver education programs established in accordance with 22.1-205.

The Commissioner may accept 20 years' service with the Virginia Department of State Police by a person who retired or resigned while in good standing from such Department in lieu of requirements established by the Department of Education for instructor qualification.

2.  That the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this act.