AB 1027: Driver’s licenses: examinations: motorcycle licenses.
- Session Year: 2017-2018
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2017-09-01
Under existing law, upon application for an original drivers license, except student licenses, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall require an examination of the applicant. Existing law requires that the examination test the applicants knowledge and understanding of, among other things, the provisions of the Vehicle Code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways. Existing law authorizes the department to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of an approved novice motorcyclist training program, as specified, in lieu of a driving test on motorcycle license applications. With regard to a person under 21 years of age, existing law requires completion of an approved motorcycle safety training program for issuance of a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement.
This bill would instead authorize the department to accept any certificate of satisfactory completion of an approved motorcyclist training program, as specified, in lieu of a driving test on motorcycle license applications. With regard to a person under 21 years of age, the bill would instead require completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program for issuance of a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement.
Under existing law, upon application for an original drivers license, except student licenses, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall require an examination of the applicant. Existing law requires that the examination test the applicants knowledge and understanding of, among other things, the provisions of the Vehicle Code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways. Existing law authorizes the department to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of an approved novice motorcyclist training program, as specified, in lieu of a driving test on motorcycle license applications. With regard to a person under 21 years of age, existing law requires completion of an approved motorcycle safety training program for issuance of a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement.
This bill would instead authorize the department to accept any certificate of satisfactory completion of an approved motorcyclist training program, as specified, in lieu of a driving test on motorcycle license applications. With regard to a person under 21 years of age, the bill would instead require completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program for issuance of a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement.
Under existing law, upon application for an original drivers license, except student licenses, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall require an examination of the applicant. Existing law requires that the examination test the applicants knowledge and understanding of, among other things, the provisions of the Vehicle Code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways. Existing law authorizes the department to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of an approved novice motorcyclist training program, as specified, in lieu of a driving test on motorcycle license applications. With regard to a person under 21 years of age, existing law requires completion of an approved motorcycle safety training program for issuance of a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement.
This bill would instead authorize the department to also accept a accept any certificate of satisfactory completion of an approved intermediate motorcyclist training program, as specified, in lieu of a driving test on motorcycle license applications. With regard to a person under 21 years of age, the bill would instead require completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program for issuance of a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement.
Under existing law, upon application for an original drivers license, except student licenses, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall require an examination of the applicant. Existing law requires that the examination test the applicants knowledge and understanding of, among other things, the provisions of the Vehicle Code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways. Existing law authorizes the department to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of an approved novice motorcyclist training program, as specified, in lieu of a driving test on motorcycle license applications.
This bill would authorize the department to also accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of an approved intermediate motorcyclist training program, as specified, in lieu of a driving test on motorcycle license applications.
(a)(1)The examination shall include all of the following:
(A)A test of the applicants knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways.
(B)A test of the applicants ability to read and understand simple English used in highway traffic and directional signs.
(C)A test of the applicants understanding of traffic signs and signals, including the bikeway signs, markers, and traffic control devices established by the Department of Transportation.
(D)An actual demonstration of the applicants ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motor vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. The applicant shall submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles he or she desires a license to drive, except that the department may waive the driving test part of the examination for any applicant who submits a license issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico if the department verifies through any acknowledged national driver record data source that there are no stops, holds, or other impediments to its issuance. The examining officer may request to see evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle prior to supervising the demonstration of the applicants ability to operate the vehicle. The examining officer may refuse to examine an applicant who is unable to provide proof of financial responsibility for the vehicle, unless proof of financial responsibility is not required by this code.
(E)A test of the hearing and eyesight of the applicant, and of other matters that may be necessary to determine the applicants mental and physical fitness to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways, and whether any grounds exist for refusal of a license under this code.
(2)(A)Before a class A or class B drivers license, or class C drivers license with a commercial endorsement, may be issued or renewed, the applicant shall have in his or her driver record a valid report of a medical examination of the applicant given not more than two years prior to the date of the application by a health care professional. As used in this paragraph, health care professional means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to practice medicine and perform physical examinations in the United States. Health care professionals are doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, and registered advanced practice nurses, or doctors of chiropractic who are clinically competent to perform the medical examination presently required of motor carrier drivers by the United States Department of Transportation. The report shall be on a form approved by the department. In establishing the requirements, consideration may be given to the standards presently required of motor carrier drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
(B)The department may accept a federal waiver of one or more physical qualification standards if the waiver is accompanied by a report of a nonqualifying medical examination for a class A or class B drivers license, or class C drivers license with a commercial endorsement, pursuant to Section 391.41(a)(3)(ii) of Subpart E of Part 391 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(3)A physical defect of the applicant that, in the opinion of the department, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, shall not prevent the issuance of a license to the applicant.
(b)In accordance with the following classifications, an applicant for a drivers license shall be required to submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive:
(1)Class A includes the following:
(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a combination of vehicles, if a vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
(B)A vehicle towing more than one vehicle.
(C)A trailer bus.
(D)The operation of all vehicles under class B and class C.
(2)Class B includes the following:
(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds.
(B)A single vehicle with three or more axles, except any three-axle vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds.
(C)A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, except a trailer bus.
(D)A farm labor vehicle.
(E)A single vehicle with three or more axles or a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(F)A house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers.
(G)The operation of all vehicles covered under class C.
(3)Class C includes the following:
(A)A two-axle vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, including when the vehicle is towing a trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(B)Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 pounds gross.
(C)A house car of 40 feet in length or less.
(D)A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less.
(E)A house car of 40 feet in length or less or a vehicle towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including when a tow dolly is used. A person driving a vehicle may not tow another vehicle in violation of Section 21715.
(F)(i)A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing either a trailer coach or a fifth-wheel travel trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation.
(ii)A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation, and if the person has passed a specialized written examination provided by the department relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway.
The authority to operate combinations of vehicles under this subparagraph may be granted by endorsement on a class C license upon completion of that written examination.
(G)A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or a gross vehicle weight rating, as those terms are defined in subdivisions (j) and (k), respectively, of Section 15210, of 26,000 pounds or less, if all of the following conditions are met:
(i)Is operated by a farmer, an employee of a farmer, or an instructor credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program in agriculture at the high school, community college, or university level.
(ii)Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations.
(iii)Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation.
(H)Firefighting equipment, provided that the equipment is operated by a person who holds a firefighter endorsement pursuant to Section 12804.11.
(I)A motorized scooter.
(J)A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, except a trailer bus.
(K) Class C does not include a two-wheel motorcycle or a two-wheel motor-driven cycle.
(4)Class M1. A two-wheel motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle. Authority to operate a vehicle included in a class M1 license may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination.
(5)(A)Class M2 includes the following:
(i)A motorized bicycle or moped, or a bicycle with an attached motor, except an electric bicycle as described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5.
(ii)A motorized scooter.
(B)Authority to operate vehicles included in class M2 may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination, except that no endorsement is required for a motorized scooter. Persons holding a class M1 license or endorsement may operate vehicles included in class M2 without further examination.
(c)A drivers license or driver certificate is not valid for operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, any other motor vehicle defined in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b), or any other vehicle requiring a driver to hold any driver certificate or any drivers license endorsement under Section 15275, unless a medical certificate approved by the department that has been issued within two years of the date of the operation of that vehicle and a copy of the medical examination report from which the certificate was issued is on file with the department. Otherwise, the license is valid only for operating class C vehicles that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, and for operating class M1 or M2 vehicles, if so endorsed, that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210.
(d)A license or driver certificate issued prior to the enactment of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 15200) is valid to operate the class or type of vehicles specified under the law in existence prior to that enactment until the license or certificate expires or is otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled. Upon application for renewal or replacement of a drivers license, endorsement, or certificate required to operate a commercial motor vehicle, a valid medical certificate on a form approved by the department shall be submitted to the department.
(e)The department may accept a certificate of driving skill that is issued by an employer, authorized by the department to issue a certificate under Section 15250, of the applicant, in lieu of a driving test, on class A or B applications, if the applicant has first qualified for a class C license and has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The certificate may be submitted as evidence of the applicants skill in the operation of the types of equipment covered by the license for which he or she is applying.
(f)The department may accept a certificate of competence in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, when the certificate is issued by a law enforcement agency for its officers who operate class M1 or M2 vehicles in their duties, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying.
(g)The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to Section 2932 in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The department shall review and approve the written and driving test used by a program to determine whether the program may issue a certificate of completion.
(h)Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person holding a valid California drivers license of any class may operate a short-term rental motorized bicycle without taking any special examination for the operation of a motorized bicycle, and without having a class M2 endorsement on that license. As used in this subdivision, short-term means 48 hours or less.
(i)A person under 21 years of age shall not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless he or she provides evidence satisfactory to the department of completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program that is operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of Chapter 5 of Division 2.
(j)A driver of a vanpool vehicle may operate with a class C license but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class B license when operating vanpool vehicles. In order to be eligible to drive the vanpool vehicle, the driver shall keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that he or she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years.
(a)(1)The examination shall include all of the following:
(A)A test of the applicants knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways.
(B)A test of the applicants ability to read and understand simple English used in highway traffic and directional signs.
(C)A test of the applicants understanding of traffic signs and signals, including the bikeway signs, markers, and traffic control devices established by the Department of Transportation.
(D)An actual demonstration of the applicants ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motor vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. The applicant shall submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles he or she desires a license to drive, except that the department may waive the driving test part of the examination for any applicant who submits a license issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico if the department verifies through any acknowledged national driver record data source that there are no stops, holds, or other impediments to its issuance. The examining officer may request to see evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle prior to supervising the demonstration of the applicants ability to operate the vehicle. The examining officer may refuse to examine an applicant who is unable to provide proof of financial responsibility for the vehicle, unless proof of financial responsibility is not required by this code.
(E)A test of the hearing and eyesight of the applicant, and of other matters that may be necessary to determine the applicants mental and physical fitness to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways, and whether any grounds exist for refusal of a license under this code.
(2)(A)Before a class A or class B drivers license, or class C drivers license with a commercial endorsement, may be issued or renewed, the applicant shall have in his or her driver record a valid report of a medical examination of the applicant given not more than two years prior to the date of the application by a health care professional. As used in this paragraph, health care professional means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to practice medicine and perform physical examinations in the United States. Health care professionals are doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, and registered advanced practice nurses, or doctors of chiropractic who are clinically competent to perform the medical examination presently required of motor carrier drivers by the United States Department of Transportation. The report shall be on a form approved by the department. In establishing the requirements, consideration may be given to the standards presently required of motor carrier drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
(B)The department may accept a federal waiver of one or more physical qualification standards if the waiver is accompanied by a report of a nonqualifying medical examination for a class A or class B drivers license, or class C drivers license with a commercial endorsement, pursuant to Section 391.41(a)(3)(ii) of Subpart E of Part 391 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(3)A physical defect of the applicant that, in the opinion of the department, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, shall not prevent the issuance of a license to the applicant.
(b)In accordance with the following classifications, an applicant for a drivers license shall be required to submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive:
(1)Class A includes the following:
(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a combination of vehicles, if a vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
(B)A vehicle towing more than one vehicle.
(C)A trailer bus.
(D)The operation of all vehicles under class B and class C.
(2)Class B includes the following:
(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds.
(B)A single vehicle with three or more axles, except any three-axle vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds.
(C)A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, except a trailer bus.
(D)A farm labor vehicle.
(E)A single vehicle with three or more axles or a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(F)A house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers.
(G)The operation of all vehicles covered under class C.
(3)Class C includes the following:
(A)A two-axle vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, including when the vehicle is towing a trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(B)Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 pounds gross.
(C)A house car of 40 feet in length or less.
(D)A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less.
(E)A house car of 40 feet in length or less or a vehicle towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including when a tow dolly is used. A person driving a vehicle may not tow another vehicle in violation of Section 21715.
(F)(i)A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing either a trailer coach or a fifth-wheel travel trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation.
(ii)A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation, and if the person has passed a specialized written examination provided by the department relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway.
The authority to operate combinations of vehicles under this subparagraph may be granted by endorsement on a class C license upon completion of that written examination.
(G)A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or a gross vehicle weight rating, as those terms are defined in subdivisions (j) and (k), respectively, of Section 15210, of 26,000 pounds or less, if all of the following conditions are met:
(i)Is operated by a farmer, an employee of a farmer, or an instructor credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program in agriculture at the high school, community college, or university level.
(ii)Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations.
(iii)Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation.
(H)Firefighting equipment, provided that the equipment is operated by a person who holds a firefighter endorsement pursuant to Section 12804.11.
(I)A motorized scooter.
(J)A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, except a trailer bus.
(K) Class C does not include a two-wheel motorcycle or a two-wheel motor-driven cycle.
(4)Class M1. A two-wheel motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle. Authority to operate a vehicle included in a class M1 license may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination.
(5)(A)Class M2 includes the following:
(i)A motorized bicycle or moped, or a bicycle with an attached motor, except an electric bicycle as described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5.
(ii)A motorized scooter.
(B)Authority to operate vehicles included in class M2 may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination, except that no endorsement is required for a motorized scooter. Persons holding a class M1 license or endorsement may operate vehicles included in class M2 without further examination.
(c)A drivers license or driver certificate is not valid for operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, any other motor vehicle defined in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b), or any other vehicle requiring a driver to hold any driver certificate or any drivers license endorsement under Section 15275, unless a medical certificate approved by the department that has been issued within two years of the date of the operation of that vehicle and a copy of the medical examination report from which the certificate was issued is on file with the department. Otherwise, the license is valid only for operating class C vehicles that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, and for operating class M1 or M2 vehicles, if so endorsed, that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210.
(d)A license or driver certificate issued prior to the enactment of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 15200) is valid to operate the class or type of vehicles specified under the law in existence prior to that enactment until the license or certificate expires or is otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled. Upon application for renewal or replacement of a drivers license, endorsement, or certificate required to operate a commercial motor vehicle, a valid medical certificate on a form approved by the department shall be submitted to the department.
(e)The department may accept a certificate of driving skill that is issued by an employer, authorized by the department to issue a certificate under Section 15250, of the applicant, in lieu of a driving test, on class A or B applications, if the applicant has first qualified for a class C license and has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The certificate may be submitted as evidence of the applicants skill in the operation of the types of equipment covered by the license for which he or she is applying.
(f)The department may accept a certificate of competence in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, when the certificate is issued by a law enforcement agency for its officers who operate class M1 or M2 vehicles in their duties, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying.
(g)The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to Section 2932 in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The department shall review and approve the written and driving test used by a program to determine whether the program may issue a certificate of completion.
(h)Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person holding a valid California drivers license of any class may operate a short-term rental motorized bicycle without taking any special examination for the operation of a motorized bicycle, and without having a class M2 endorsement on that license. As used in this subdivision, short-term means 48 hours or less.
(i)A person under 21 years of age shall not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless he or she provides evidence satisfactory to the department of completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program that is operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of Chapter 5 of Division 2.
(j)A driver of a vanpool vehicle may operate with a class C license but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class B license when operating vanpool vehicles. In order to be eligible to drive the vanpool vehicle, the driver shall keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that he or she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years.
(a)(1)The examination shall include all of the following:
(A)A test of the applicants knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways.
(B)A test of the applicants ability to read and understand simple English used in highway traffic and directional signs.
(C)A test of the applicants understanding of traffic signs and signals, including the bikeway signs, markers, and traffic control devices established by the Department of Transportation.
(D)An actual demonstration of the applicants ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motor vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. The applicant shall submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles he or she desires a license to drive, except that the department may waive the driving test part of the examination for any applicant who submits a license issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico if the department verifies through any acknowledged national driver record data source that there are no stops, holds, or other impediments to its issuance. The examining officer may request to see evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle prior to supervising the demonstration of the applicants ability to operate the vehicle. The examining officer may refuse to examine an applicant who is unable to provide proof of financial responsibility for the vehicle, unless proof of financial responsibility is not required by this code.
(E)A test of the hearing and eyesight of the applicant, and of other matters that may be necessary to determine the applicants mental and physical fitness to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways, and whether any grounds exist for refusal of a license under this code.
(2)(A)Before a class A or class B drivers license, or class C drivers license with a commercial endorsement, may be issued or renewed, the applicant shall have in his or her driver record a valid report of a medical examination of the applicant given not more than two years prior to the date of the application by a health care professional. As used in this paragraph, health care professional means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to practice medicine and perform physical examinations in the United States. Health care professionals are doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, and registered advanced practice nurses, or doctors of chiropractic who are clinically competent to perform the medical examination presently required of motor carrier drivers by the United States Department of Transportation. The report shall be on a form approved by the department. In establishing the requirements, consideration may be given to the standards presently required of motor carrier drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
(B)The department may accept a federal waiver of one or more physical qualification standards if the waiver is accompanied by a report of a nonqualifying medical examination for a class A or class B drivers license, or class C drivers license with a commercial endorsement, pursuant to Section 391.41(a)(3)(ii) of Subpart E of Part 391 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(3)A physical defect of the applicant that, in the opinion of the department, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, shall not prevent the issuance of a license to the applicant.
(b)In accordance with the following classifications, an applicant for a drivers license shall be required to submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive:
(1)Class A includes the following:
(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a combination of vehicles, if a vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
(B)A vehicle towing more than one vehicle.
(C)A trailer bus.
(D)The operation of all vehicles under class B and class C.
(2)Class B includes the following:
(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds.
(B)A single vehicle with three or more axles, except any three-axle vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds.
(C)A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, except a trailer bus.
(D)A farm labor vehicle.
(E)A single vehicle with three or more axles or a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(F)A house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers.
(G)The operation of all vehicles covered under class C.
(3)Class C includes the following:
(A)A two-axle vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, including when the vehicle is towing a trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(B)Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 pounds gross.
(C)A house car of 40 feet in length or less.
(D)A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less.
(E)A house car of 40 feet in length or less or a vehicle towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including when a tow dolly is used. A person driving a vehicle may not tow another vehicle in violation of Section 21715.
(F)(i)A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing either a trailer coach or a fifth-wheel travel trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation.
(ii)A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation, and if the person has passed a specialized written examination provided by the department relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway.
The authority to operate combinations of vehicles under this subparagraph may be granted by endorsement on a class C license upon completion of that written examination.
(G)A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or a gross vehicle weight rating, as those terms are defined in subdivisions (j) and (k), respectively, of Section 15210, of 26,000 pounds or less, if all of the following conditions are met:
(i)Is operated by a farmer, an employee of a farmer, or an instructor credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program in agriculture at the high school, community college, or university level.
(ii)Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations.
(iii)Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation.
(H)Firefighting equipment, provided that the equipment is operated by a person who holds a firefighter endorsement pursuant to Section 12804.11.
(I)A motorized scooter.
(J)A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, except a trailer bus.
(K) Class C does not include a two-wheel motorcycle or a two-wheel motor-driven cycle.
(4)Class M1. A two-wheel motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle. Authority to operate a vehicle included in a class M1 license may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination.
(5)(A)Class M2 includes the following:
(i)A motorized bicycle or moped, or a bicycle with an attached motor, except an electric bicycle as described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5.
(ii)A motorized scooter.
(B)Authority to operate vehicles included in class M2 may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination, except that no endorsement is required for a motorized scooter. Persons holding a class M1 license or endorsement may operate vehicles included in class M2 without further examination.
(c)A drivers license or driver certificate is not valid for operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, any other motor vehicle defined in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b), or any other vehicle requiring a driver to hold any driver certificate or any drivers license endorsement under Section 15275, unless a medical certificate approved by the department that has been issued within two years of the date of the operation of that vehicle and a copy of the medical examination report from which the certificate was issued is on file with the department. Otherwise, the license is valid only for operating class C vehicles that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, and for operating class M1 or M2 vehicles, if so endorsed, that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210.
(d)A license or driver certificate issued prior to the enactment of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 15200) is valid to operate the class or type of vehicles specified under the law in existence prior to that enactment until the license or certificate expires or is otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled. Upon application for renewal or replacement of a drivers license, endorsement, or certificate required to operate a commercial motor vehicle, a valid medical certificate on a form approved by the department shall be submitted to the department.
(e)The department may accept a certificate of driving skill that is issued by an employer, authorized by the department to issue a certificate under Section 15250, of the applicant, in lieu of a driving test, on class A or B applications, if the applicant has first qualified for a class C license and has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The certificate may be submitted as evidence of the applicants skill in the operation of the types of equipment covered by the license for which he or she is applying.
(f)The department may accept a certificate of competence in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, when the certificate is issued by a law enforcement agency for its officers who operate class M1 or M2 vehicles in their duties, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying.
(g)The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a novice or intermediate motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to Section 2932 in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The department shall review and approve the written and driving test used by a program to determine whether the program may issue a certificate of completion.
(h)Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person holding a valid California drivers license of any class may operate a short-term rental motorized bicycle without taking any special examination for the operation of a motorized bicycle, and without having a class M2 endorsement on that license. As used in this subdivision, short-term means 48 hours or less.
(i)A person under the age of 21 years 21 years of age shall not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless he or she provides evidence satisfactory to the department of completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program that is operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of Chapter 5 of Division 2.
(j)A driver of a vanpool vehicle may operate with a class C license but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class B license when operating vanpool vehicles. In order to be eligible to drive the vanpool vehicle, the driver shall keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that he or she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years.
(a)(1)The examination shall include all of the following:
(A)A test of the applicants knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways.
(B)A test of the applicants ability to read and understand simple English used in highway traffic and directional signs.
(C)A test of the applicants understanding of traffic signs and signals, including the bikeway signs, markers, and traffic control devices established by the Department of Transportation.
(D)An actual demonstration of the applicants ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motor vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. The applicant shall submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles he or she desires a license to drive, except that the department may waive the driving test part of the examination for any applicant who submits a license issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico if the department verifies through any acknowledged national driver record data source that there are no stops, holds, or other impediments to its issuance. The examining officer may request to see evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle prior to supervising the demonstration of the applicants ability to operate the vehicle. The examining officer may refuse to examine an applicant who is unable to provide proof of financial responsibility for the vehicle, unless proof of financial responsibility is not required by this code.
(E)A test of the hearing and eyesight of the applicant, and of other matters that may be necessary to determine the applicants mental and physical fitness to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways, and whether any grounds exist for refusal of a license under this code.
(2)(A)Before a class A or class B drivers license, or class C drivers license with a commercial endorsement, may be issued or renewed, the applicant shall have in his or her driver record a valid report of a medical examination of the applicant given not more than two years prior to the date of the application by a health care professional. As used in this paragraph, health care professional means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to practice medicine and perform physical examinations in the United States. Health care professionals are doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, and registered advanced practice nurses, or doctors of chiropractic who are clinically competent to perform the medical examination presently required of motor carrier drivers by the United States Department of Transportation. The report shall be on a form approved by the department. In establishing the requirements, consideration may be given to the standards presently required of motor carrier drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
(B)The department may accept a federal waiver of one or more physical qualification standards if the waiver is accompanied by a report of a nonqualifying medical examination for a class A or class B drivers license, or class C drivers license with a commercial endorsement, pursuant to Section 391.41(a)(3)(ii) of Subpart E of Part 391 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(3)A physical defect of the applicant that, in the opinion of the department, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, shall not prevent the issuance of a license to the applicant.
(b)In accordance with the following classifications, an applicant for a drivers license shall be required to submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive:
(1)Class A includes the following:
(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a combination of vehicles, if a vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
(B)A vehicle towing more than one vehicle.
(C)A trailer bus.
(D)The operation of all vehicles under class B and class C.
(2)Class B includes the following:
(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds.
(B)A single vehicle with three or more axles, except any three-axle vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds.
(C)A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, except a trailer bus.
(D)A farm labor vehicle.
(E)A single vehicle with three or more axles or a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(F)A house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers.
(G)The operation of all vehicles covered under class C.
(3)Class C includes the following:
(A)A two-axle vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, including when the vehicle is towing a trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(B)Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 pounds gross.
(C)A house car of 40 feet in length or less.
(D)A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less.
(E)A house car of 40 feet in length or less or a vehicle towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including when a tow dolly is used. A person driving a vehicle may not tow another vehicle in violation of Section 21715.
(F)(i)A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing either a trailer coach or a fifth-wheel travel trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation.
(ii)A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation, and if the person has passed a specialized written examination provided by the department relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway.
The authority to operate combinations of vehicles under this subparagraph may be granted by endorsement on a class C license upon completion of that written examination.
(G)A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or a gross vehicle weight rating, as those terms are defined in subdivisions (j) and (k), respectively, of Section 15210, of 26,000 pounds or less, if all of the following conditions are met:
(i)Is operated by a farmer, an employee of a farmer, or an instructor credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program in agriculture at the high school, community college, or university level.
(ii)Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations.
(iii)Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation.
(H)Firefighting equipment, provided that the equipment is operated by a person who holds a firefighter endorsement pursuant to Section 12804.11.
(I)A motorized scooter.
(J)A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, except a trailer bus.
(K) Class C does not include a two-wheel motorcycle or a two-wheel motor-driven cycle.
(4)Class M1. A two-wheel motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle. Authority to operate a vehicle included in a class M1 license may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination.
(5)(A)Class M2 includes the following:
(i)A motorized bicycle or moped, or a bicycle with an attached motor, except an electric bicycle as described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5.
(ii)A motorized scooter.
(B)Authority to operate vehicles included in class M2 may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination, except that no endorsement is required for a motorized scooter. Persons holding a class M1 license or endorsement may operate vehicles included in class M2 without further examination.
(c)A drivers license or driver certificate is not valid for operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, any other motor vehicle defined in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b), or any other vehicle requiring a driver to hold any driver certificate or any drivers license endorsement under Section 15275, unless a medical certificate approved by the department that has been issued within two years of the date of the operation of that vehicle and a copy of the medical examination report from which the certificate was issued is on file with the department. Otherwise, the license is valid only for operating class C vehicles that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, and for operating class M1 or M2 vehicles, if so endorsed, that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210.
(d)A license or driver certificate issued prior to the enactment of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 15200) is valid to operate the class or type of vehicles specified under the law in existence prior to that enactment until the license or certificate expires or is otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled. Upon application for renewal or replacement of a drivers license, endorsement, or certificate required to operate a commercial motor vehicle, a valid medical certificate on a form approved by the department shall be submitted to the department.
(e)The department may accept a certificate of driving skill that is issued by an employer, authorized by the department to issue a certificate under Section 15250, of the applicant, in lieu of a driving test, on class A or B applications, if the applicant has first qualified for a class C license and has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The certificate may be submitted as evidence of the applicants skill in the operation of the types of equipment covered by the license for which he or she is applying.
(f)The department may accept a certificate of competence in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, when the certificate is issued by a law enforcement agency for its officers who operate class M1 or M2 vehicles in their duties, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying.
(g)The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a novice or intermediate motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to Section 2932 in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The department shall review and approve the written and driving test used by a program to determine whether the program may issue a certificate of completion.
(h)Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person holding a valid California drivers license of any class may operate a short-term rental motorized bicycle without taking any special examination for the operation of a motorized bicycle, and without having a class M2 endorsement on that license. As used in this subdivision, short-term means 48 hours or less.
(i)A person under the age of 21 years shall not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless he or she provides evidence satisfactory to the department of completion of a motorcycle safety training program that is operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of Chapter 5 of Division 2.
(j)A driver of a vanpool vehicle may operate with a class C license but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class B license when operating vanpool vehicles. In order to be eligible to drive the vanpool vehicle, the driver shall keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that he or she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2017 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 205, Statutes of 2017. |
| Sep 1, 2017 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Aug 25, 2017 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m. |
| Aug 22, 2017 | In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Aug 21, 2017 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Jun 27, 2017 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Jun 26, 2017 | From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8. |
| Jun 6, 2017 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (June 6). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| May 18, 2017 | Referred to Com. on T. & H. |
| May 4, 2017 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 4, 2017 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 1393.) |
| Apr 27, 2017 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Apr 26, 2017 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (April 26). |
| Apr 4, 2017 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (April 3). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Mar 22, 2017 | Re-referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Mar 21, 2017 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 20, 2017 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. |
| Mar 6, 2017 | Referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Feb 17, 2017 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 19. |
| Feb 16, 2017 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2017 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB1027 Acosta et al. By Wilk | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jun 6, 2017 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Housing |
Passed |
|
| May 4, 2017 | AB 1027 ACOSTA Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 26, 2017 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 3, 2017 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education of California | ** Support | Jun 28, 2017 |
| American Motorcyclist Association | ** Support | Mar 30, 2017 |
| California Delivery Association | ** Support | Jun 28, 2017 |
| California Motorcycle Dealers Association | ** Support | Mar 30, 2017 |
| Liberty Mutual Insurance | ** Support | Mar 30, 2017 |
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 1027
:
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 13-0, 6/6/17
AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Atkins, Bates, Gaines, McGuire, Mendoza, Morrell, Roth, Skinner, Wieckowski, Wiener
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/4/17 (Consent) - See last page for vote
SOURCE: American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education of California
DIGEST:
This bill allows the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to accept a certificate of completion of an approved motorcyclist training program of any difficulty in lieu of a driving test and specifies that persons under 21 must complete a novice program.
- Defines class M1 vehicles as two-wheeled motorcycles and defines class M2 vehicles to include motorized bicycles, mopeds, or motorized scooters.
- Requires an examination upon application for an original driver’s license, including class M1 and M2, which must include:
- A test of knowledge and understanding of the relevant Vehicle Code provisions.
- A test of ability to read English on highway and directional signs.
- A test of understanding of traffic signs and signals.
- An actual demonstration of ability to operate a motor vehicle under the supervision of an examining officer.
- A test of hearing and eyesight.
- Allows the DMV to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a novice motorcyclist training program in lieu of a driving test for class M1 or M2 license applications.
- Requires that the motorcycle training program be approved by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner.
- Prohibits a person under 21 years old from being issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless they have completed a motorcycle safety training program.
This bill:
- Allows the DMV to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a CHP-approved motorcyclist training program of any difficulty in lieu of a driving test for a class M1 or M2 license application.
- Specifies that a person under 21 years old must complete a novice motorcycle safety training program in order to be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement.
Background
- The testing requirements for obtaining an M1 or M2 license in California depend on the applicant’s age. All applicants must complete written and visual tests. Further, applicants under 21 are required to take a CHP-approved California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC), which provides both classroom and hands-on motorcycle training. Upon completion of the training, the applicant receives a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389 waiver) which can then be used to waive the DMV motorcycle skills test. Applicants 21 and older are not required to take the MTC and can just complete the DMV motorcycle skills test instead, in addition to the written test. The skills test demonstrates handling ability, requiring the rider to weave through cones, ride in a circle, ride slowly, ride in a tracked path, and shift gears. It is sometimes casually referred to as the “lollipop” course due to the shape of the track. If the applicant does not already have a driver’s license, they must also complete an observation road test.
- Back to the basics. The CHP Commissioner is responsible for administrating the CMSP. Currently, they do so through a primary contractor, Total Control Training, Inc. To obtain a DMV skills test waiver, CHP has approved the MTC, a 15-hour course split into 10 hours of riding and five hours of in-class instruction, as well as an extended MTC called the Premier Program, which features an additional 3.5 hours of riding and 2.5 hours of in-class instruction. Both of these programs are designed for new riders, preparing students for the written DMV exam and teaching them how to handle fear, the mechanics of turning, cornering strategies, and emergency crash avoidance skills, but they claim to also offer benefits for anyone who hasn’t taken a safety course before. Currently, applicants under 21 are required to take the MTC in order to obtain a motorcycle license, while applicants over 21 have the choice of taking the MTC or taking a DMV driving skills test.
- Intermediate and advanced courses. Total Control Training, Inc. provides novice, intermediate, and advanced motorcycle classes: the CHP-approved CMSP MTC (DMV skills test waiver), the Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinic, and the Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic. Each of these courses includes classroom and hands-on motorcycle instruction. Currently, only the MTC, which is designed for new riders, is approved by CHP for an applicant to receive a DMV skills test waiver. Further, current law specifies that a license applicant must complete a novice course to obtain a waiver. This bill removes the “novice” specification for applicants over 21, allowing them to complete a CMSP course of any difficulty to satisfy the waiver requirement, but only if is it approved by CHP as required by law. Therefore, this bill will only have an effect if the CHP Commissioner approves additional, advanced courses beyond the MTC and MTC Premier Program.
- Out of state, out of luck. The DMV will not waive the motorcycle skills test for any out-of-state motorcycle training program or any course completed solely for insurance purposes. If an experienced cyclist moved to California and wanted to ride their motorcycle, they would have to either take the novice course (MTC) or take the DMV motorcycle skills driving test. The cyclist would likely be incentivized to take the skills test, which requires less time than the training course.
- Let’s do the numbers. According to DMV statistics from 2016, there are 893,107 motorcycles registered in California, the most of any state. In 2015, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, California had 489 motorcycle fatalities, second only to Florida but representing a 7% decrease from 2014 while the United States on average had a 6% increase in deaths. The CMSP estimates that they train 65,000 motorcyclists annually and, as of 2016, CHP claims that over 1,000,000 riders have received training since CMSP was established in 1987. Incentivizing the training courses over the simple driving skills test may be one way to decrease the number of motorcycle fatalities in California. Taking a training course is also a common way to reduce insurance rates, as drivers are better prepared to handle and avoid accidents. One major provider offers up to a 10% discount for completing a safety course, while another offers a 5% discount for having completed a safety course. Therefore, there may be some cost incentive for advanced riders to take a training course rather than taking the driving skills test, especially for more expensive policies. As for the costs of the training courses themselves, a few training sites near Sacramento offer the MTC for $258 for applicants 21 and older and $180 for those under 21.
- Who stands to benefit? Overall, this bill will likely affect a limited number of motorcyclists, since all applicants under 21 must take a novice course and new cyclists over 21 who have no or limited experience would also take the novice course. This bill could potentially incentivize an experienced motorcyclist, such as one who moved to California from another state, to take a safety course if they were not inclined to take the novice course. However, this bill will currently have no practical effect until the CHP Commissioner approves additional classes for intermediate and advanced riders.
Comments
- Purpose. According to the author, currently, experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle riders are disincentivized from taking the three-day novice course that is well below their skill level and instead elect to pass the DMV driving test rather than improve their skillset. These individuals could better improve their riding abilities by taking an intermediate class to receive a DMV waiver. These riders would still be required to pass a written DMV motorcycle test. However, after successfully completing the intermediate course and receiving a DL 389 waiver, they would be allowed to bypass the DMV motorcycle office’s “hands-on lollipop” riding test, thereby saving time and DMV funds while making our roads and highways safer for every user with trained and licensed riders. By accepting certificates of completion for all CHP-approved CMSP courses, more riders would be incentivized to participate in classes that improve their skills rather than opting for only the driving test. The more education and training motorcyclists receive, the safer they will be on our roads and the more prepared they will be to ride responsibly.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education of California (source)
California Delivery Association
OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/26/17)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: Supporters state that allowing experienced motorcyclists to take the intermediate course will improve the rider’s basic skill levels and make the roads safer overall.
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/4/17
AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gomez, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Travis Allen, Bigelow, Cristina Garcia, Patterson
6/28/17 15:29:47
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING
Senator Jim Beall, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular
Bill No: AB 1027 Hearing Date: 6/6/2017
Author: | Acosta | ||
Version: | 3/21/2017 Amended | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Mikel Shybut | ||
SUBJECT: Driver’s licenses: examinations: motorcycle licenses
DIGEST: This bill allows the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to accept a certificate of completion of an approved motorcyclist training program of any difficulty in lieu of a driving test and specifies that persons under 21 must complete a novice program.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Defines class M1 vehicles as two-wheeled motorcycles and defines class M2 vehicles to include motorized bicycles, mopeds, or motorized scooters.
- Requires an examination upon application for an original driver’s license, including class M1 and M2, which must include:
- A test of knowledge and understanding of the relevant vehicle code provisions
- A test of ability to read English on highway and directional signs
- A test of understanding of traffic signs and signals
- An actual demonstration of ability to operate a motor vehicle under the supervision of an examining officer
- A test of hearing and eyesight
- Allows the DMV to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a novice motorcyclist training program in lieu of a driving test for class M1 or M2 license applications.
- Requires that the motorcycle training program be approved by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner.
- Prohibits a person under 21 years old from being issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless they have completed a motorcycle safety training program
This bill:
- Allows the DMV to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a CHP-approved motorcyclist training program of any difficulty in lieu of a driving test for a class M1 or M2 license application.
- Specifies that a person under 21 years old must complete a novice motorcycle safety training program in order to be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. According to the author, currently, experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle riders are disincentivized from taking the three day novice course that is well below their skill level and instead elect to pass the DMV driving test rather than improve their skillset. These individuals could better improve their riding abilities by taking an intermediate class to receive a DMV waiver. These riders would still be required to pass a written DMV motorcycle test. However, after successfully completing the intermediate course and receiving a DL 389 waiver, they would be allowed to bypass the DMV motorcycle office’s “hands-on lollipop” riding test, thereby saving time and DMV funds while making our roads and highways safer for every user with trained and licensed riders. By accepting certificates of completion for all CHP-approved California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) courses, more riders would be incentivized to participate in classes that improve their skills rather than opting for only the driving test. The more education and training motorcyclists receive, the safer they will be on our roads and the more prepared they will be to ride responsibly.
- Background. The testing requirements for obtaining an M1 or M2 license in California depend on the applicant’s age. All applicants must complete written and visual tests. Further, applicants under 21 are required to take a CHP-approved CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC), which provides both classroom and hands-on motorcycle training. Upon completion of the training, the applicant receives a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389 waiver) which can then be used to waive the DMV motorcycle skills test. Applicants 21 and older are not required to take the MTC and can just complete the DMV motorcycle skills test instead, in addition to the written test. The skills test demonstrates handling ability, requiring the rider to weave through cones, ride in a circle, ride slowly, ride in a tracked path, and shift gears. It is sometimes casually referred to as the “lollipop” course due to the shape of the track. If the applicant does not already have a driver’s license, they must also complete an observation road test.
- Back to the basics. The CHP Commissioner is responsible for administrating the CMSP. Currently, they do so through a primary contractor, Total Control Training, Inc. To obtain a DMV skills test waiver, CHP has approved the MTC, a 15 hour course split into 10 hours of riding and 5 hours of in-class instruction, as well as an extended MTC called the Premier Program, which features an additional 3.5 hours of riding and 2.5 hours of in-class instruction. Both of these programs are designed for new riders, preparing students for the written DMV exam and teaching them how to handle fear, the mechanics of turning, cornering strategies, and emergency crash avoidance skills, but they claim to also offer benefits for anyone who hasn’t taken a safety course before. Currently, applicants under 21 are required to take the MTC in order to obtain a motorcycle license, while applicants over 21 have the choice of taking the MTC or taking a DMV driving skills test.
- Intermediate and advanced courses. Total Control Training, Inc. provides novice, intermediate, and advanced motorcycle classes: the CHP-approved CMSP MTC (DMV skills test waiver), the Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinic (IRC), and the Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic (ARC). Each of these courses includes classroom and hands-on motorcycle instruction. Currently, only the MTC, which is designed for new riders, is approved by CHP for an applicant to receive a DMV skills test waiver. Further, current law specifies that a license applicant must complete a novice course to obtain a waiver. This bill removes the “novice” specification for applicants over 21, allowing them to complete a CMSP course of any difficulty to satisfy the waiver requirement, but only if is it approved by CHP as required by law. Therefore, this bill will only have an effect if the CHP Commissioner approves additional, advanced courses beyond the MTC and MTC Premier Program.
- Out of state, out of luck. The DMV will not waive the motorcycle skills test for any out-of-state motorcycle training program or any course completed solely for insurance purposes. If an experienced cyclist moved to California and wanted to ride their motorcycle, they would have to either take the novice course (MTC) or take the DMV motorcycle skills driving test. The cyclist would likely be incentivized to take the skills test, which requires less time than the training course.
- Let’s do the numbers. According to DMV statistics from 2016, there are 893,107 motorcycles registered in California, the most of any state. In 2015, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), California had 489 motorcycle fatalities, 2nd only to Florida but representing a 7% decrease from 2014 while the United States on average had a 6% increase in deaths. The CMSP estimates that they train 65,000 motorcyclists annually and, as of 2016, CHP claims that over 1,000,000 riders have received training since CMSP was established in 1987. Incentivizing the training courses over the simple driving skills test may be one way to decrease the number of motorcycle fatalities in California. Taking a training course is also a common way to reduce insurance rates, as drivers are better prepared to handle and avoid accidents. One major provider offers up to a 10% discount for completing a safety course, while another offers a 5% discount for having completed a safety course. Therefore, there may be some cost incentive for advanced riders to take a training course rather than taking the driving skills test, especially for more expensive policies. As for the costs of the training courses themselves, a few training sites near Sacramento offer the MTC for $258 for applicants 21 and older and $180 for those under 21.
- Who stands to benefit? Overall, this bill would likely affect a limited number of motorcyclists, since all applicants under 21 must take a novice course and new cyclists over 21 who have no or limited experience would also take the novice course. This bill could potentially incentivize an experienced motorcyclist, such as one who moved to California from another state, to take a safety course if they were not inclined to take the novice course. However, this bill would currently have no practical effect until the CHP Commissioner approves additional classes for intermediate and advanced riders.
Related Legislation:
AB 1932 (Obernolte, 2016, CHP-561) — authorized schools operating under the CMSP to also act as licensed traffic violator schools, subject to curriculum approval and licensure by the state DMV
AB 1952 (Niello & Perez, 2010, CHP-586) — established rules for obtaining a motorcycle instruction permit
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,
May 31, 2017.)
SUPPORT:
American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education of California (Co-sponsor)
California Delivery Association
OPPOSITION:
None received.
-- END --
Date of Hearing: April 26, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1027
Author:(Acosta) – As Amended Ver:March 21, 2017
Policy Committee: | Transportation | Vote: | 13 - 0 |
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of any motorcyclist training program approved by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in lieu of a driving test for applicants applying for a motorcycle license, rather that only accepting a certificate for a novice course. The bill also specifies that a person under 21 years of age must show proof of completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program administered by CHP before receiving a motorcycle license.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Minor absorbable costs to DMV to update the department’s website and revise forms and publications related to motorcycle license applications.
COMMENTS:
- Background. Under existing law, CHP administers the two courses as part of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). The novice course consists of 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of riding. This class is mandatory for any participants under the age of 21. The second course, which is optional, has more advanced training including 7.5 hours of classroom instruction and 13.5 hours of riding. Under existing law, DMV is authorized to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of the novice motorcyclist training program approved by the CHP in lieu of a driving test for applicants applying for a motorcycle license. However, under existing law DMV is not authorized to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of the more advanced training program in lieu of a driving test.
- Purpose. This bill would allow applicants for a motorcycle license to submit a certificate of satisfactory completion of any CMSP course—meaning either the novice or advanced—in lieu of a driving test.
Analysis Prepared by: Jessica Peters / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 3, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Jim Frazier, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1027 (
Author:Acosta) – As Amended Ver:March 21, 2017
SUBJECT: Driver’s licenses: examinations: motorcycle licenses
SUMMARY: Authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of any motorcyclist training program approved by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in lieu of a driving test for applicants applying for a motorcycle license, and specifies that a person under 21 years of age must show proof of completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program administered by CHP before receiving a motorcycle license.
EXISTING LAW:
- Authorizes DMV to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a novice motorcyclist training program approved by the CHP in lieu of a driving test for applicants applying for a motorcycle license.
- Authorizes CHP to adopt standards for a novice motorcycle rider training course and a premier motorcyclist training program, as specified.
- Requires a person under 21 years of age to show proof of completion of a motorcyclist safety training program administered by CHP before receiving a motorcycle license.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: Under existing law, the CHP administers the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). The program includes two courses: the Motorcyclist Training Course, a basic course consisting of 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of actual riding that is mandatory for persons under the age of 21 and recommended for others seeking a motorcycle endorsement; and the optional Premier Program consisting of 7.5 hours of classroom instruction and 13.5 hours of riding. According to the CHP, over 950,000 motorcycle riders have participated in the CMSP since 1987. When applying for a motorcycle license, an applicant may show proof of completion of the Motorcyclist Training Course to waive the driving test otherwise required of applicants.
This bill would authorize DMV to accept a certificate of completion of any program offered under the CMSP to waive the driving test requirement. A person under 21 would still be required to complete the Motorcyclist Training Course to receive a license.
According to the author, this bill would give experienced motorcyclists the opportunity to take a course better suited to their skill level to waive of the motorcycle driving test, instead of taking the novice-level course that can take three days to complete.
For riders who have experience operating vehicles similar to motorcycles or have had motorcycle riding experience in the past, and are applying for a motorcycle license, the ability to waive a driving test by taking an advanced level course may make that class more appealing. Those applicants would then be able to waive their DMV driving test, reducing the need for the department to take time to conduct those tests in field offices. Because CHP would still retain control over all standards and curricula of the programs administered under the CMSP that would issue the certificates allowing an applicant to waive the driving test, applicants completing a CMSP program would still be required to learn rules of the road, how to interact with other forms of motor vehicle traffic, and other key safety skills, which they might not otherwise learn if they did not take a class at all.
Previous legislation: AB 1932 (Obernolte), Chapter 561, Statutes of 2016, authorized a motorcyclist safety training program that is licensed by DMV as a traffic violator school to administer a motorcyclist training course that includes instruction specific to the safe and lawful operation of motorcycles.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education of California
American Motorcyclist Association
California Motorcycle Dealers Association
Liberty Mutual Insurance
2 private citizens
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Justin Behrens / TRANS. /
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Senate Floor
6MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Housing
4MIN
Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
