§408. Examination of applicants required; classes of licenses

            A.(1) Except as otherwise provided, every applicant must pass a written knowledge and skills test for a motor vehicle representative of the type of motor vehicle he operates or expects to operate, or provide evidence on a form approved by the department that he has successfully passed the written knowledge test and a driving or skills test administered by an authorized third party. In addition to the specialized knowledge and skills tests, each such examination shall include: a test of the applicant's eyesight; his ability to understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic; his knowledge of railroad and highway grade crossing safety; his knowledge of sharing the road with motorcycles and tractor/trailer trucks; his knowledge of the economic effects of littering; his knowledge of distracted driving issues; his knowledge of trailer safety; his knowledge of accessible parking and access aisles; his knowledge of appropriate driver conduct when stopped by a law enforcement officer; and his knowledge of all relevant traffic regulations.

            (2) All tests shall be constructed in such a way as to determine if the applicant possesses the required knowledge and skills for the group of motor vehicles that will be operated. The department shall develop specifications for tests for each vehicle group and endorsement, which shall be at least as stringent as the standards established by the Federal Highway Administration in 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 383. The department shall determine specific methods for scoring the knowledge and skills tests. The department shall develop standardized scoring sheets for the skills tests, as well as standardized driving instructions for the applicant. Knowledge and skills tests shall be based solely on information contained in the driver's manual. Each test shall have administrative procedures, designed to achieve inter-examiner reliability, that are sufficient to ensure fair pass/fail rates. The knowledge tests may be given in oral, written, or automated form. A simulator or off-road course may be used for skills testing as long as such testing is combined with actual on-the-road testing. If the applicant does not obey traffic laws or causes an accident during the test, he shall automatically fail the test.

            (3) Each knowledge test for a Group "D" or "E" vehicle shall contain at least thirty-two items, exclusive of the number of items testing airbrake knowledge. Not less than two of the thirty-two items shall be relative to railroad and highway grade crossing safety. Not less than two of the thirty-two items shall be relative to the economic effects of littering. For each endorsement, the knowledge test and the airbrake component of the basic knowledge test shall contain a number of questions that are sufficient to test the applicant's knowledge of the required subject matter with validity and reliability. The applicant for a Class "A", "B", "C", "D", or "E" license shall correctly answer at least eighty percent of the questions on each knowledge test in order to achieve a passing score on such knowledge test. To achieve a passing score on the skills test, an applicant for a Class "A", "B", "C", "D", or "E" license shall demonstrate that he can successfully perform all of the required skills. If an applicant for a Class "A", "B", or "C" commercial driver's license scores less than eighty percent on the airbrake component of the basic knowledge test, the driver shall fail the airbrake component and, if the driver is issued a driver's license, an airbrake restriction shall be indicated on the commercial driver's license. If an applicant for a Class "A", "B", or "C" commercial driver's license performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the driver shall have omitted the airbrake component of the skills test and, if the driver is issued a driver's license, the airbrake restriction shall be indicated on the license.

            (4)(a) The knowledge and skills tests for all applicants may be administered by the department or the department may elect to authorize a third party, including another state, an employer, a public license tag agent, a private training facility or other private institution, driver education course provider, or a department, agency, or instrumentality of state or local government, to administer knowledge and skills tests to applicants for Class "D" or "E" drivers' licenses and to administer skills tests to applicants for a Class "A", "B", or "C" commercial driver's license. The department may contract with or enter into agreements with such third parties or certify or license them to perform the testing. However, the department shall ensure that examiners are qualified to administer the tests on the basis of training or other experience. The department shall establish minimum qualifications for persons administering driver's license tests and prescribe the procedures to be used, including procedures which ensure confidentiality of tests. The tests given by the third party shall be the same as those that would otherwise be given by the department.

            (b) All third-party examiners shall meet the same qualifications and training as state examiners to the extent necessary to conduct knowledge and skills tests in compliance with this Subsection. Department employees shall at least every two years take the tests actually administered by the third party as if the employee were a test applicant, or the department shall test a sample of drivers who were examined by the third party to compare pass/fail results. These requirements and conditions shall be included in any third-party contract or agreement and shall be a part of any license, certificate, or permit issued to such third parties. The department shall devise a system to regulate such third parties and the regulations shall have the full force and effect of law.

            (c) The department shall submit any such third party contract or agreement to the commissioner of the division of administration for his approval.

            (d) The third party shall provide proof of testing in a manner prescribed by the department.

            (e) The Federal Highway Administration, or its representative, and the department, or its representative, may conduct random examinations, inspections, and audits without prior notice. The department, or its representative, shall conduct a random inspection at least annually.

            (f) The department shall set the cost of any license, permit, or certificate to test applicants and may set any maximum fee that such third parties may charge applicants.

            (g) In addition to any other applicable sanction, improper issuance of proof of successful completion of the knowledge and skills tests shall subject the third party to the penalties imposed by this Chapter, up to a five thousand dollar civil penalty per violation, or revocation or suspension of the privilege to test applicants, or both.

            (5) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the skills test required for Classes "A", "B", and "C" commercial driver's licenses shall be waived for an applicant who meets one of the following requirements:

            (a) Certifies that, during the two-year period immediately prior to applying for a commercial driver's license, he has not had any of the following:

            (i) More than one license, except for a military license.

            (ii) Any license suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

            (iii) Any convictions for any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations.

            (iv) More than one conviction for any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations contained in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations.

            (v) Any conviction for a violation of military, state, or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with any traffic accident, and has no record of an accident in which he or she was at fault.

            (b) Provides evidence and certifies that he is or was any of the following:

            (i) Regularly employed within the last twelve months in a military position requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

            (ii) Exempted from the commercial driver's license requirements in 383.3(c) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations.

            (iii) Operating a vehicle representative of the commercial motor vehicle the driver applicant operates or expects to operate, for at least the two years immediately preceding discharge from the military.

            (6) At the discretion of the department, the driving skills tests may be waived for a driver who is licensed prior to the institution of the new testing program and substituted with either an applicant's driving record and previous passage of an acceptable skills test, or an applicant's record in combination with at least two years of driving experience in a vehicle representative of the vehicle he operates or expects to operate.

            (7) In addition to the exemptions granted in Subsection (A)(6) of this Section, the department may exempt the drivers of the vehicles listed in Subsection (A)(8) of this Section from the retest requirements.

            (8) The department may permit drivers possessing a valid Class "D" or "E" license issued pursuant to this Chapter to operate the following vehicles without a commercial driver's license, subject to the following limitations:

            (a) A vehicle designed for personal use unless used for commercial purposes or used to transport hazardous materials required to be placarded.

            (b) A farm vehicle which is controlled and operated by a farmer, including operation by employees or family members, is used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies, to or from a farm, is not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier, and is used within one hundred fifty miles of the farmer's farm. In order to qualify for this exemption, an applicant shall meet the following criteria:

            (i) An applicant with one to two years of driving experience shall demonstrate a satisfactory operating record for his entire driving history. An applicant with more than two years of driving experience shall demonstrate a satisfactory operating record for the two most recent years of his driving history. An applicant who has not previously been issued a driver's license shall not be eligible for this exemption.

            (ii) For purposes of this Subparagraph, "satisfactory operating record" shall mean that an applicant has not had more than one license, has not had any license suspended, revoked, or canceled, has not had any conviction for a driving offense which requires disqualification as provided for in R.S. 32:414.2, has not had any conviction of a serious traffic violation as provided for in R.S. 32:414.2, and has not had any conviction of a state or local law relating to traffic control, other than a violation arising in connection with a traffic accident, and has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault.

            (9) The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to administer and enforce this Subsection, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, subject to oversight by the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works. The department may delegate the duties and authority imposed by this Subsection.

            (10) Provision shall be made for examination in the parish wherein an applicant resides, except for commercial driver skill and knowledge testing. The department shall locate testing centers for driver skill and knowledge testing in locations convenient to applicants.

            (11) One of the motor vehicle field offices established within a parish shall be located in the parish seat. If an existing office is not in the parish seat, an additional office shall be located in the parish seat.

            B.(1) There shall be three general types of drivers' licenses:

            (a) The "Commercial Driver's License" (Classes "A", "B", and "C").

            (b) The "Chauffeur's License" (Class "D").

            (c) The "Personal Vehicle Driver's License" (Class "E").

            (2) A commercial driver's license shall be required when a vehicle is used in commerce as defined in this Chapter, and is a commercial motor vehicle as defined in this Chapter. A farmer shall not need a commercial driver's license when operating a motor vehicle as provided for in Subparagraph (e) of this Paragraph. The department may elect to or, if required by the Federal Highway Administration, shall change the weight and passenger limits expressed herein to conform to regulations by the Federal Highway Administration. The department shall do so by regulations promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act subject to oversight by the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works. A commercial learner's permit issued to an individual of this state or another jurisdiction, in accordance with rules and regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, when carried with a valid driver's license issued by the same state or jurisdiction, authorizes the permittee to operate a class of commercial motor vehicle when accompanied by a holder of a valid commercial driver's license for purposes of behind-the-wheel training. When issued to the holder of a commercial driver's license, a commercial learner's permit serves as authorization to take part in behind-the-wheel training in a commercial motor vehicle for which the driver is not licensed to drive. The different classes of drivers' licenses to be issued shall be as follows:

            (a)(i) Class "A" "Commercial Driver's License" - "Combination Vehicle".

            Permits the operation of all vehicles within Classes "B", "C", "D", and "E", with any appropriate endorsements, and any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of twenty-six thousand and one or more pounds, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of ten thousand pounds. This class of vehicles does not include the operation of motorcycles and motor scooters except as an endorsement to the basic license.

            (ii) Restriction. An individual who takes a skills test for a Class "A" Commercial Driver's License in a motor vehicle other than a tractor-trailer combination, sometimes referred to as an "eighteen wheeler", shall be issued a license with a restriction prohibiting the operation of a tractor-trailer combination. This restriction shall be lifted only if the individual successfully completes a skills test in a tractor-trailer combination. For purposes of this Item, a power unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than twenty-six thousand one pounds shall not qualify as the tractor portion of a tractor-trailer combination. An individual who takes a skills test for a Class "A" commercial driver's license in a motor vehicle with the power unit and towed unit connected with a pintel hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, shall be issued a license with a restriction prohibiting the operation of a tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth wheel that requires a Class "A" commercial driver's license.

            (b) Class "B" Commercial Driver's License - "Heavy Straight Vehicle".

            Permits the operation of any vehicle within Classes "C", "D", and "E", with any appropriate endorsements, plus any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand and one or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of ten thousand pounds gross vehicle weight rating. A "straight vehicle" is defined for the purpose of this class as being one that does not bend or have any moveable joint in its frame between the driver's seat and the cargo or passenger compartment. This class does not include the operation of motorcycles and motor scooters except as an endorsement to the basic license.

            (c) Class "C" Commercial Driver's License - "Light Vehicle".

            Permits the operation of any vehicle within Classes "D" and "E", with any appropriate endorsements, plus any single vehicle less than twenty-six thousand and one pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of ten thousand pounds gross vehicle weight rating. This group includes vehicles designed to transport sixteen or more passengers including the driver and which are not within the definition of a Group "A" or "B" vehicle, and vehicles used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for purposes of the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 United States Code 1801 et seq. or under state law or regulation and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 172, Subpart F) or under state law or regulation. This class does not include the operation of motorcycles and motor scooters except as an endorsement to the basic license.

            (d) Class "D" Chauffeur's License.

            Permits the operation of all vehicles included in Class "E" plus any single motor vehicle used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand one or more pounds but less than twenty-six thousand one pounds, or any combination of vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle has a combined gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand one or more pounds but less than twenty-six thousand one pounds inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than ten thousand pounds; or any vehicle designed or utilized for the transportation of passengers for hire or fee; and not utilized in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous under the provisions of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act which requires the vehicle to bear a placard under the provision of Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F).

            (e) Class "E" Driver's License - "Personal Vehicle".

            Permits the operation of any single motor vehicle under ten thousand one pounds gross vehicle weight rating or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of ten thousand pounds gross vehicle weight rating; any personal use of recreational vehicle or combination of vehicles; or any vehicle which is not within the definition of Group "A", "B", "C", or "D" and not utilized in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous under the provision of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act which requires the vehicle to bear a placard under provisions of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F). This class of vehicles does not include the operation of motorcycles and motor scooters except as an endorsement to the basic license.

            (3) The department shall issue endorsements for commercial drivers' licenses if applicants for such endorsements pass the appropriate knowledge and skills tests necessary for issuance of the endorsement and if the applicant passes any requisite security assessment for issuance of a particular endorsement. However, if an applicant for an endorsement is eligible for a waiver of the test requirements pursuant to any applicable federal waiver program implemented by the department at the time the applicant applies for the endorsement, the department shall issue the endorsement to the applicant. A federal waiver program may be implemented at the department's discretion. The following endorsements shall be available to the classes of commercial drivers' licenses:

            (a) "T" - double/triple trailers. This endorsement shall not be construed so as to allow operation of triple trailer combinations in this state.

            (b) "P" - passenger vehicle.

            (c) "N" - tank vehicle.

            (d) "H" - hazardous materials. This endorsement may be issued only if the department receives a "Determination of No Security Threat" from the Transportation Security Administration. This endorsement shall be denied or revoked if the Transportation Security Administration issues a "Determination of a Threat" assessment.

            (e) "X" - combination tank vehicle and hazardous materials.

            (f) "S"-school bus. This endorsement shall be denied or canceled if the applicant is disqualified in accordance with R.S. 32:414.2(E).

            (g) Any other endorsement required by the department as long as it is fully explained on the license.

            (4) There shall be the following restrictions possible to the classes of commercial driver's license:

            (a) "L" - airbrake restriction.

            (b) Any other restriction required by the department as long as it is fully explained on the license.

            (c) Repealed by Acts 2008, No. 160, §2.

            (5) The department may elect to issue a "nonresident commercial driver's license" to a person domiciled in a foreign country if the Federal Highway Administrator has determined that the commercial motor vehicle testing and licensing standards in the foreign domicile do not meet the standards contained in 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 383. If the department elects to issue nonresident commercial drivers' licenses, the procedures for issuance and the notification to the Commercial Driver's License Information System shall be the same as those pertaining to any other commercial driver's license. Prior to issuing any nonresident commercial driver's license, the department shall establish enforcement procedures for disqualifying the holder of a nonresident commercial driver's license and for withdrawing, suspending, canceling, or revoking the nonresident commercial driver's license under the same conditions applicable to a commercial driver's license issued to a resident of this state. The department may set the fees to be charged for such license and the duration of such license by regulation in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act subject to oversight by the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

            (6)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the department shall issue a temporary driver's permit to an applicant who is a foreign national who has been present in the state for thirty or more days and who is employed in the agricultural industry; provided, however, that any person's status for the purposes of this Paragraph shall be determined regardless of immigration status.

            (b) Such applicant shall provide an individual taxpayer identification number issued to the applicant by the Internal Revenue Service, proof of Louisiana residency, and any other forms of identification required by the department. Proof of residency shall include but not be limited to paid receipts for utility bills and bank statements.

            (c)(i) A temporary driver's permit shall be readily distinguishable from all other permits and licenses issued by the department. Such permit shall expire one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed annually if the driver remains qualified pursuant to this Paragraph. Renewal of the permit shall be made in person.

            (ii) The temporary permit shall be considered a license to drive and shall not be considered a form of identification.

            (d) The department may set the fees to be charged for such permit by regulation in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, subject to oversight by the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

            (7)(a) Commercial driver applicants not meeting the physical standards as set forth in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), pertaining to vision requirements, may apply to the department for an intrastate driver waiver. Minimum vision requirements for such waiver are as follows:

            (i) Distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) or better in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses.

            (ii) Field of vision of at least seventy degrees in one direction and thirty-five in the other direction of the horizontal meridian of the applicant's better eye.

            (iii) The ability to distinguish colors of signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber as demonstrated by ishihara color plates or their equivalent.

            (b) The applicant for the waiver shall supply the department with the following information when requesting the waiver:

            (i) A copy of the medical examination performed pursuant to 49 CFR 391.43.

            (ii) A copy of any medical certificate issued as a result of a medical examination completed pursuant to 49 CFR 391.43.

            (iii) A medical evaluation completed by an optometrist certified by the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners to treat diseases and disorders of the eye and its adnexa or an ophthalmologist certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. If the visual impairment is a progressive disorder, a medical evaluation completed by an optometrist certified by the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners to treat diseases and disorders of the eye and its adnexa or an ophthalmologist certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology as required in this Item shall be supplied to the department every six months for the duration of the waiver.

            (iv) A copy of the driver applicant's road test and certificate issued pursuant to 49 CFR 391.31(b) through (g).

            (v) A copy of the driver applicant's previous waiver of certain physical defects, when applicable.

            (vi) The class of vehicle to be used by the applicant, if granted a waiver. To qualify for the waiver, the applicant shall have had two years commercial driving experience within the five years immediately preceding the application date for the class of vehicle indicated. This driving experience shall be verified by a notarized statement provided by the applicant's current or previous employers or by himself, if self-employed.

            (vii) Evidence, on a form approved by the department, that the applicant has successfully passed a skills test administered by an authorized third party for the class of vehicle to be used by the applicant, if granted a waiver. The skills test shall be administered following the diagnosis which prevents the applicant from failing to meet the physical standards set forth in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), pertaining to vision requirements. The skills test required by this Item shall be required only upon the initial application for a waiver issued pursuant to this Paragraph.

            (c) The department shall issue an intrastate driver waiver to an applicant if it finds that he meets the minimum vision requirements as stated by Subparagraph (a) and Items (b)(i) through (iii) of this Paragraph, and granting the waiver would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such waiver.

            (d) Applicants granted a waiver shall drive only within the territorial limits of Louisiana.

            (e) Applicants who are issued a waiver are prohibited from transporting passengers for hire, manifested hazardous wastes, or hazardous material required to be placarded. In addition, applicants who are issued a waiver pursuant to this Paragraph are prohibited from driving commercial motor vehicles for public utilities that are regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission or the city council of the city of New Orleans.

            (f) Waivers granted pursuant to this Paragraph shall be valid for the duration of the applicant's commercial driver's license. An applicant desiring a waiver pursuant to this Paragraph shall reapply for the waiver each time he renews his commercial driver's license. The skills test required by Item (b)(vii) of this Paragraph shall be required only upon the initial application for a waiver issued pursuant to this Paragraph.

            (g) Nothing in this Paragraph shall be construed to relieve a commercial driver of any of his responsibilities required by state or federal law, rule, or regulation.

            (h) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of motor vehicles, may, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, promulgate rules and regulations for the efficient implementation and enforcement of this Paragraph.

            (8) Results of skills tests of applicants for Class "A", "B", or "C" driver's licenses shall be submitted to the department electronically. The department may promulgate rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the requirement set forth in this Paragraph.

            C.(1) Motorcycles, motor driven cycles, and motorized bicycles shall not be given a separate class, as such, but their use shall be provided for by making an endorsement on one of the basic classes outlined in this Section. Such an endorsement shall be made only after the applicant has taken and successfully passed tests specifically designed for the operation of such vehicles. No written knowledge test or operator's skill test shall be required if an applicant has successfully completed the Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program provided in R.S. 32:402.3.

            (2) The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to motorcycles, motor driven cycles, and motorized bicycles under five horsepower. Their operation shall not require a license or endorsement.

            (3) The provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall not apply to autocycles as defined by R.S. 32:401. As such, the operation of an autocycle shall not require a special endorsement but shall require only that the operator hold a valid driver's license.

            D. Authorized emergency vehicles shall not be given a special class, as such, but their lawful operation shall be provided for by an appropriate special endorsement on a class "E" license indicating the group or groups of motor vehicles the driver is authorized to operate.

            E. The license or special certificate of each applicant shall be endorsed appropriately with respect to his qualifications to operate said vehicles. Any applicable restriction shall be noted on the driver's license or special certificate.

            F.(1) The department shall make provisions for testing noncommercial driver's license or special certificate applicants in languages other than English and for testing deaf applicants. However, this shall not be construed to require the department to furnish an interpreter. Except as required by 49 CFR Part 383.133, a skills test for a commercial driver's license shall be conducted in English without the use of interpreters.

            (2) Notwithstanding Subsection (G)(1) of this Section, a driver, unless exempted by the department by rule or regulations, who transports hazardous materials required to be placarded or who is otherwise subject to the English literacy requirement of 49 CFR Part 391, shall be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.

            G. The deputy secretary of public safety services shall adopt and promulgate any rules and regulations relative to motor carrier operator qualifications, including minimum qualifications of operators of motor rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Oversight review shall be conducted by the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works. All rules and regulations adopted by the deputy secretary relative to motor carrier vehicle operator qualifications shall be consistent with the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation contained in Title 46 and Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations relative to motor carrier safety and the transportation of hazardous materials.

            H.(1) Information on how to obtain a driver's license and endorsements shall be included in manuals made available by the office of motor vehicles to applicants at a cost to be established by regulation. The information provided to the applicant shall include:

            (a) Information on the requirements and qualifications for obtaining a driver's license.

            (b) The procedures for issuance of a driver's license.

            (c) Information on third party testing.

            (d) Information on the experience substitute for the skills tests.

            (e) Information on any exemptions to the retest requirements.

            (f) Any special test specification modifications for certain drivers.

            (g) Information on the vehicle groups and endorsements.

            (h) The substance of the knowledge and skills which drivers must have for the different vehicle groups and endorsements, including information on railroad and highway grade crossing signage and safety procedures.

            (i) Information on the airbrake restriction.

            (j) Details of testing procedures, including the purpose of the test, how to respond, any time limits for taking the test, and any other special procedures determined by the department.

            (k) Directions on taking the tests.

            (l) Information on the implied consent provision to be tested for alcohol or drugs.

            (m) Information on the criminal and civil penalties imposed on drivers of commercial motor vehicles, including the disqualifications offenses.

            (2) A supply of guides shall be furnished to libraries and schools in each parish and shall be available for use in the library or school at no cost to the applicant.

            (3) Details on testing and other requirements established by the department shall be included in driver examiner manuals and made available to examiners and third party testers at a cost to be established by regulation. The information made available to the examiner shall include:

            (a) Information on driver application procedures.

            (b) Information on third party testing.

            (c) Information on the procedures for issuance of the driver's license.

            (d) Information on the experience substitute for the skills tests.

            (e) Information on any exemption to the retest requirement.

            (f) Details on the information which must be given to the applicant, including information on the implied consent provision to be tested for alcohol or drugs, the criminal and civil penalties faced by persons who operate commercial motor vehicles, and on the disqualification offenses.

            (g) Details on how to conduct the tests.

            (h) Scoring procedures and minimum passing scores.

            (i) Information for selecting driving test routes.

            (j) A list of skills to be tested.

            (k) Instructions on where and how the skills will be tested.

            (l) How performance of the skills will be scored.

            (m) Criteria for automatic failures of the skills test.

            (4) Information on any special procedures for applying for any other special endorsement, any special qualifications required of such persons, and any special knowledge or skills drivers are required to possess shall be included in a manual or manuals, unless such information is included in the driver's manual, and shall be made available to the applicant at a cost to be established by regulation. However, a supply of guides shall be furnished to libraries and schools in each parish, where they shall be available for use at no cost to the applicant.

            Amended by Acts 1954, No. 165, §3; Acts 1968, No. 273, §10; Acts 1974, No. 348, §1; Acts 1979, No. 598, §1; Acts 1983, No. 461, §1; Acts 1984, No. 947, §§1, 2; Acts 1985, No. 111, §1, eff. June 29, 1985; Acts 1985, No. 494, §1; Acts 1987, No. 351, §1, eff. July 6, 1987; Acts 1989, No. 293, §§1, 2, eff. June 27, 1989; Acts 1992, No. 629, §1. Acts 1993, No. 34, §1, eff. May 18, 1993; Acts 1993, No. 382, §§1, 2; Acts 1995, No. 801, §1; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 80, §2; Acts 1999, No. 244, §1; Acts 1999, No. 458, §1; Acts 2001, No. 600, §1; Acts 2003, No. 213, §1; Acts 2003, No. 397, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2004; Acts 2003, No. 473, §1; Acts 2003, No. 986, §1; Acts 2004, No. 216, §2; Acts 2004, No. 387, §1; Acts 2006, No. 97, §1; Acts 2006, No. 719, §1; Acts 2008, No. 160, §§1, 2; Acts 2009, No. 11, §1, eff. June 9, 2009; Acts 2011, No. 193, §1; Acts 2011, No. 257, §1; Acts 2011, No. 294, §2; Acts 2011, No. 317, §3, eff. Jan. 1, 2012; Acts 2012, No. 348, §1; Acts 2012, No. 377, §1; Acts 2012, No. 455, §2; Acts 2013, No. 62, §1; Acts 2013, No. 81, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2014; Acts 2014, No. 351, §1; Acts 2016, No. 326, §1; Acts 2016, No. 336, §1; Acts 2016, No. 440, §1; Acts 2017, No. 286, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2018; Acts 2018, No. 686, §1; Acts 2020, No. 223, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2021; Acts 2021, No. 203, §1.