| 1 | 1 | | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 631Introduced by Senator JonesFebruary 22, 2019 An act to amend Sections 2932 and 12804.9 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 631, as introduced, Jones. Vehicles: motorcyclist safety program.Existing law establishes a motorcyclist safety program within the Department of the California Highway Patrol, administered by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. Existing law authorizes the commissioner to adopt standards, as specified, for a novice rider motorcycle training course and for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Existing law authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of the novice rider motorcycle training course in lieu of the driving test for a motorcycle drivers license.This bill would require the commissioner to adopt standards for motorcycle training courses, including a one-day intermediate riding course, as specified, require these standards to specify that students satisfactorily completing either the 3-day premier motorcyclist training course for novice riders or the one-day intermediate riding clinic for experienced riders receive a waiver of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test, and require the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept that waiver in lieu of driving test.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 2932 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:2932. The commissioner may, shall, through contracts with other public agencies or with private entities, do all of the following:(a) Provide financial or other support to projects aimed at enhancing motorcycle operation and safety, including, but not limited to, motorcyclist safety training programs. The motorcyclist safety training programs shall comply with criteria which the commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies and national motorcycle safety organizations, may adopt to provide validated motorcyclist safety training programs in the state.(b) Sponsor and coordinate efforts aimed at increasing motorists awareness of motorcyclists.(c) Sponsor research into effective communication techniques to reach all highway users on matters of motorcyclist safety.(d) Establish an advisory committee of persons from other state and local agencies with an interest in motorcycle safety; persons from the motorcycle industry; motorcycle safety organizations; motorcycle enthusiast organizations; and others with an interest in motorcycle safety, to assist in the establishment of a comprehensive program of motorcycle safety.(e) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, and setting forth a maximum amount for course fees for the novice rider training course specified in subdivisions (g) and (i) of Section 12804.9.(f) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Motorcycle safety training courses offered under a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a core curriculum approved for the novice rider training course specified in subdivision (e).(B) Additional course requirements established by the commissioner.(2) On and after January 1, 2008, the The commissioner shall not impose a maximum amount for course fees for courses provided under the premier motorcyclist safety training program.(3) All administrative costs of a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state.(g) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a one-day intermediate riding course. Motorcycle safety training courses offered pursuant to this subdivision shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a curriculum designed for riders 21 years of age or older with previous riding experience, that focuses on riding skill and safety without instruction in basic operation and handling of a motorcycle that would be redundant for experienced riders.(B) Meet testing requirements that allow for the issuance of a certificate of satisfactory completion acceptable in lieu of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test for a motorcycle drivers license.(2) All administrative costs of an intermediate riding course shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state.SEC. 2. Section 12804.9 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:12804.9. (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 the applicant 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 their 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 the applicant 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 the applicant 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 the applicant is applying.(g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to subdivision (e), (f), or (g) of 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 the applicant 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 the person 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. described in subdivision (e) or (f) of Section 2932.(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 the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years. |
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| 3 | 3 | | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 631Introduced by Senator JonesFebruary 22, 2019 An act to amend Sections 2932 and 12804.9 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 631, as introduced, Jones. Vehicles: motorcyclist safety program.Existing law establishes a motorcyclist safety program within the Department of the California Highway Patrol, administered by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. Existing law authorizes the commissioner to adopt standards, as specified, for a novice rider motorcycle training course and for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Existing law authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of the novice rider motorcycle training course in lieu of the driving test for a motorcycle drivers license.This bill would require the commissioner to adopt standards for motorcycle training courses, including a one-day intermediate riding course, as specified, require these standards to specify that students satisfactorily completing either the 3-day premier motorcyclist training course for novice riders or the one-day intermediate riding clinic for experienced riders receive a waiver of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test, and require the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept that waiver in lieu of driving test.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO |
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| 9 | 9 | | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION |
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| 11 | 11 | | Senate Bill No. 631 |
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| 13 | 13 | | Introduced by Senator JonesFebruary 22, 2019 |
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| 15 | 15 | | Introduced by Senator Jones |
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| 16 | 16 | | February 22, 2019 |
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| 18 | 18 | | An act to amend Sections 2932 and 12804.9 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles. |
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| 20 | 20 | | LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST |
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| 22 | 22 | | ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST |
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| 24 | 24 | | SB 631, as introduced, Jones. Vehicles: motorcyclist safety program. |
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| 26 | 26 | | Existing law establishes a motorcyclist safety program within the Department of the California Highway Patrol, administered by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. Existing law authorizes the commissioner to adopt standards, as specified, for a novice rider motorcycle training course and for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Existing law authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of the novice rider motorcycle training course in lieu of the driving test for a motorcycle drivers license.This bill would require the commissioner to adopt standards for motorcycle training courses, including a one-day intermediate riding course, as specified, require these standards to specify that students satisfactorily completing either the 3-day premier motorcyclist training course for novice riders or the one-day intermediate riding clinic for experienced riders receive a waiver of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test, and require the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept that waiver in lieu of driving test. |
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| 28 | 28 | | Existing law establishes a motorcyclist safety program within the Department of the California Highway Patrol, administered by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. Existing law authorizes the commissioner to adopt standards, as specified, for a novice rider motorcycle training course and for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Existing law authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of the novice rider motorcycle training course in lieu of the driving test for a motorcycle drivers license. |
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| 30 | 30 | | This bill would require the commissioner to adopt standards for motorcycle training courses, including a one-day intermediate riding course, as specified, require these standards to specify that students satisfactorily completing either the 3-day premier motorcyclist training course for novice riders or the one-day intermediate riding clinic for experienced riders receive a waiver of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test, and require the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept that waiver in lieu of driving test. |
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| 32 | 32 | | ## Digest Key |
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| 34 | 34 | | ## Bill Text |
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| 36 | 36 | | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 2932 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:2932. The commissioner may, shall, through contracts with other public agencies or with private entities, do all of the following:(a) Provide financial or other support to projects aimed at enhancing motorcycle operation and safety, including, but not limited to, motorcyclist safety training programs. The motorcyclist safety training programs shall comply with criteria which the commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies and national motorcycle safety organizations, may adopt to provide validated motorcyclist safety training programs in the state.(b) Sponsor and coordinate efforts aimed at increasing motorists awareness of motorcyclists.(c) Sponsor research into effective communication techniques to reach all highway users on matters of motorcyclist safety.(d) Establish an advisory committee of persons from other state and local agencies with an interest in motorcycle safety; persons from the motorcycle industry; motorcycle safety organizations; motorcycle enthusiast organizations; and others with an interest in motorcycle safety, to assist in the establishment of a comprehensive program of motorcycle safety.(e) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, and setting forth a maximum amount for course fees for the novice rider training course specified in subdivisions (g) and (i) of Section 12804.9.(f) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Motorcycle safety training courses offered under a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a core curriculum approved for the novice rider training course specified in subdivision (e).(B) Additional course requirements established by the commissioner.(2) On and after January 1, 2008, the The commissioner shall not impose a maximum amount for course fees for courses provided under the premier motorcyclist safety training program.(3) All administrative costs of a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state.(g) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a one-day intermediate riding course. Motorcycle safety training courses offered pursuant to this subdivision shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a curriculum designed for riders 21 years of age or older with previous riding experience, that focuses on riding skill and safety without instruction in basic operation and handling of a motorcycle that would be redundant for experienced riders.(B) Meet testing requirements that allow for the issuance of a certificate of satisfactory completion acceptable in lieu of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test for a motorcycle drivers license.(2) All administrative costs of an intermediate riding course shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state.SEC. 2. Section 12804.9 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:12804.9. (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 the applicant 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 their 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 the applicant 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 the applicant 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 the applicant is applying.(g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to subdivision (e), (f), or (g) of 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 the applicant 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 the person 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. described in subdivision (e) or (f) of Section 2932.(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 the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years. |
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| 38 | 38 | | The people of the State of California do enact as follows: |
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| 40 | 40 | | ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: |
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| 42 | 42 | | SECTION 1. Section 2932 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:2932. The commissioner may, shall, through contracts with other public agencies or with private entities, do all of the following:(a) Provide financial or other support to projects aimed at enhancing motorcycle operation and safety, including, but not limited to, motorcyclist safety training programs. The motorcyclist safety training programs shall comply with criteria which the commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies and national motorcycle safety organizations, may adopt to provide validated motorcyclist safety training programs in the state.(b) Sponsor and coordinate efforts aimed at increasing motorists awareness of motorcyclists.(c) Sponsor research into effective communication techniques to reach all highway users on matters of motorcyclist safety.(d) Establish an advisory committee of persons from other state and local agencies with an interest in motorcycle safety; persons from the motorcycle industry; motorcycle safety organizations; motorcycle enthusiast organizations; and others with an interest in motorcycle safety, to assist in the establishment of a comprehensive program of motorcycle safety.(e) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, and setting forth a maximum amount for course fees for the novice rider training course specified in subdivisions (g) and (i) of Section 12804.9.(f) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Motorcycle safety training courses offered under a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a core curriculum approved for the novice rider training course specified in subdivision (e).(B) Additional course requirements established by the commissioner.(2) On and after January 1, 2008, the The commissioner shall not impose a maximum amount for course fees for courses provided under the premier motorcyclist safety training program.(3) All administrative costs of a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state.(g) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a one-day intermediate riding course. Motorcycle safety training courses offered pursuant to this subdivision shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a curriculum designed for riders 21 years of age or older with previous riding experience, that focuses on riding skill and safety without instruction in basic operation and handling of a motorcycle that would be redundant for experienced riders.(B) Meet testing requirements that allow for the issuance of a certificate of satisfactory completion acceptable in lieu of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test for a motorcycle drivers license.(2) All administrative costs of an intermediate riding course shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state. |
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| 43 | 43 | | |
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| 44 | 44 | | SECTION 1. Section 2932 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read: |
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| 45 | 45 | | |
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| 46 | 46 | | ### SECTION 1. |
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| 47 | 47 | | |
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| 48 | 48 | | 2932. The commissioner may, shall, through contracts with other public agencies or with private entities, do all of the following:(a) Provide financial or other support to projects aimed at enhancing motorcycle operation and safety, including, but not limited to, motorcyclist safety training programs. The motorcyclist safety training programs shall comply with criteria which the commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies and national motorcycle safety organizations, may adopt to provide validated motorcyclist safety training programs in the state.(b) Sponsor and coordinate efforts aimed at increasing motorists awareness of motorcyclists.(c) Sponsor research into effective communication techniques to reach all highway users on matters of motorcyclist safety.(d) Establish an advisory committee of persons from other state and local agencies with an interest in motorcycle safety; persons from the motorcycle industry; motorcycle safety organizations; motorcycle enthusiast organizations; and others with an interest in motorcycle safety, to assist in the establishment of a comprehensive program of motorcycle safety.(e) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, and setting forth a maximum amount for course fees for the novice rider training course specified in subdivisions (g) and (i) of Section 12804.9.(f) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Motorcycle safety training courses offered under a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a core curriculum approved for the novice rider training course specified in subdivision (e).(B) Additional course requirements established by the commissioner.(2) On and after January 1, 2008, the The commissioner shall not impose a maximum amount for course fees for courses provided under the premier motorcyclist safety training program.(3) All administrative costs of a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state.(g) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a one-day intermediate riding course. Motorcycle safety training courses offered pursuant to this subdivision shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a curriculum designed for riders 21 years of age or older with previous riding experience, that focuses on riding skill and safety without instruction in basic operation and handling of a motorcycle that would be redundant for experienced riders.(B) Meet testing requirements that allow for the issuance of a certificate of satisfactory completion acceptable in lieu of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test for a motorcycle drivers license.(2) All administrative costs of an intermediate riding course shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state. |
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| 49 | 49 | | |
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| 50 | 50 | | 2932. The commissioner may, shall, through contracts with other public agencies or with private entities, do all of the following:(a) Provide financial or other support to projects aimed at enhancing motorcycle operation and safety, including, but not limited to, motorcyclist safety training programs. The motorcyclist safety training programs shall comply with criteria which the commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies and national motorcycle safety organizations, may adopt to provide validated motorcyclist safety training programs in the state.(b) Sponsor and coordinate efforts aimed at increasing motorists awareness of motorcyclists.(c) Sponsor research into effective communication techniques to reach all highway users on matters of motorcyclist safety.(d) Establish an advisory committee of persons from other state and local agencies with an interest in motorcycle safety; persons from the motorcycle industry; motorcycle safety organizations; motorcycle enthusiast organizations; and others with an interest in motorcycle safety, to assist in the establishment of a comprehensive program of motorcycle safety.(e) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, and setting forth a maximum amount for course fees for the novice rider training course specified in subdivisions (g) and (i) of Section 12804.9.(f) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Motorcycle safety training courses offered under a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a core curriculum approved for the novice rider training course specified in subdivision (e).(B) Additional course requirements established by the commissioner.(2) On and after January 1, 2008, the The commissioner shall not impose a maximum amount for course fees for courses provided under the premier motorcyclist safety training program.(3) All administrative costs of a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state.(g) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a one-day intermediate riding course. Motorcycle safety training courses offered pursuant to this subdivision shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a curriculum designed for riders 21 years of age or older with previous riding experience, that focuses on riding skill and safety without instruction in basic operation and handling of a motorcycle that would be redundant for experienced riders.(B) Meet testing requirements that allow for the issuance of a certificate of satisfactory completion acceptable in lieu of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test for a motorcycle drivers license.(2) All administrative costs of an intermediate riding course shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state. |
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| 51 | 51 | | |
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| 52 | 52 | | 2932. The commissioner may, shall, through contracts with other public agencies or with private entities, do all of the following:(a) Provide financial or other support to projects aimed at enhancing motorcycle operation and safety, including, but not limited to, motorcyclist safety training programs. The motorcyclist safety training programs shall comply with criteria which the commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies and national motorcycle safety organizations, may adopt to provide validated motorcyclist safety training programs in the state.(b) Sponsor and coordinate efforts aimed at increasing motorists awareness of motorcyclists.(c) Sponsor research into effective communication techniques to reach all highway users on matters of motorcyclist safety.(d) Establish an advisory committee of persons from other state and local agencies with an interest in motorcycle safety; persons from the motorcycle industry; motorcycle safety organizations; motorcycle enthusiast organizations; and others with an interest in motorcycle safety, to assist in the establishment of a comprehensive program of motorcycle safety.(e) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, and setting forth a maximum amount for course fees for the novice rider training course specified in subdivisions (g) and (i) of Section 12804.9.(f) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Motorcycle safety training courses offered under a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a core curriculum approved for the novice rider training course specified in subdivision (e).(B) Additional course requirements established by the commissioner.(2) On and after January 1, 2008, the The commissioner shall not impose a maximum amount for course fees for courses provided under the premier motorcyclist safety training program.(3) All administrative costs of a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state.(g) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a one-day intermediate riding course. Motorcycle safety training courses offered pursuant to this subdivision shall meet all of the following requirements:(A) Provide a curriculum designed for riders 21 years of age or older with previous riding experience, that focuses on riding skill and safety without instruction in basic operation and handling of a motorcycle that would be redundant for experienced riders.(B) Meet testing requirements that allow for the issuance of a certificate of satisfactory completion acceptable in lieu of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test for a motorcycle drivers license.(2) All administrative costs of an intermediate riding course shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state. |
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| 53 | 53 | | |
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| 54 | 54 | | |
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| 55 | 55 | | |
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| 56 | 56 | | 2932. The commissioner may, shall, through contracts with other public agencies or with private entities, do all of the following: |
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| 57 | 57 | | |
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| 58 | 58 | | (a) Provide financial or other support to projects aimed at enhancing motorcycle operation and safety, including, but not limited to, motorcyclist safety training programs. The motorcyclist safety training programs shall comply with criteria which the commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies and national motorcycle safety organizations, may adopt to provide validated motorcyclist safety training programs in the state. |
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| 59 | 59 | | |
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| 60 | 60 | | (b) Sponsor and coordinate efforts aimed at increasing motorists awareness of motorcyclists. |
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| 61 | 61 | | |
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| 62 | 62 | | (c) Sponsor research into effective communication techniques to reach all highway users on matters of motorcyclist safety. |
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| 63 | 63 | | |
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| 64 | 64 | | (d) Establish an advisory committee of persons from other state and local agencies with an interest in motorcycle safety; persons from the motorcycle industry; motorcycle safety organizations; motorcycle enthusiast organizations; and others with an interest in motorcycle safety, to assist in the establishment of a comprehensive program of motorcycle safety. |
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| 65 | 65 | | |
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| 66 | 66 | | (e) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, and setting forth a maximum amount for course fees for the novice rider training course specified in subdivisions (g) and (i) of Section 12804.9. |
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| 67 | 67 | | |
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| 68 | 68 | | (f) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Motorcycle safety training courses offered under a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall meet all of the following requirements: |
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| 69 | 69 | | |
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| 70 | 70 | | (A) Provide a core curriculum approved for the novice rider training course specified in subdivision (e). |
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| 71 | 71 | | |
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| 72 | 72 | | (B) Additional course requirements established by the commissioner. |
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| 73 | 73 | | |
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| 74 | 74 | | (2) On and after January 1, 2008, the The commissioner shall not impose a maximum amount for course fees for courses provided under the premier motorcyclist safety training program. |
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| 75 | 75 | | |
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| 76 | 76 | | (3) All administrative costs of a premier motorcyclist safety training program shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state. |
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| 77 | 77 | | |
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| 78 | 78 | | (g) (1) Adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum, instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control, for a one-day intermediate riding course. Motorcycle safety training courses offered pursuant to this subdivision shall meet all of the following requirements: |
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| 79 | 79 | | |
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| 80 | 80 | | (A) Provide a curriculum designed for riders 21 years of age or older with previous riding experience, that focuses on riding skill and safety without instruction in basic operation and handling of a motorcycle that would be redundant for experienced riders. |
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| 81 | 81 | | |
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| 82 | 82 | | (B) Meet testing requirements that allow for the issuance of a certificate of satisfactory completion acceptable in lieu of the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test for a motorcycle drivers license. |
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| 83 | 83 | | |
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| 84 | 84 | | (2) All administrative costs of an intermediate riding course shall be paid for by the provider, and none of the costs shall be paid for by the state. |
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| 85 | 85 | | |
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| 86 | 86 | | SEC. 2. Section 12804.9 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:12804.9. (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 the applicant 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 their 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 the applicant 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 the applicant 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 the applicant is applying.(g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to subdivision (e), (f), or (g) of 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 the applicant 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 the person 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. described in subdivision (e) or (f) of Section 2932.(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 the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years. |
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| 87 | 87 | | |
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| 88 | 88 | | SEC. 2. Section 12804.9 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read: |
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| 89 | 89 | | |
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| 90 | 90 | | ### SEC. 2. |
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| 91 | 91 | | |
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| 92 | 92 | | 12804.9. (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 the applicant 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 their 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 the applicant 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 the applicant 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 the applicant is applying.(g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to subdivision (e), (f), or (g) of 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 the applicant 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 the person 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. described in subdivision (e) or (f) of Section 2932.(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 the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years. |
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| 93 | 93 | | |
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| 94 | 94 | | 12804.9. (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 the applicant 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 their 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 the applicant 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 the applicant 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 the applicant is applying.(g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to subdivision (e), (f), or (g) of 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 the applicant 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 the person 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. described in subdivision (e) or (f) of Section 2932.(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 the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years. |
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| 95 | 95 | | |
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| 96 | 96 | | 12804.9. (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 the applicant 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 their 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 the applicant 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 the applicant 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 the applicant is applying.(g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to subdivision (e), (f), or (g) of 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 the applicant 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 the person 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. described in subdivision (e) or (f) of Section 2932.(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 the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years. |
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| 97 | 97 | | |
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| 98 | 98 | | |
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| 99 | 99 | | |
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| 100 | 100 | | 12804.9. (a) (1) The examination shall include all of the following: |
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| 101 | 101 | | |
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| 102 | 102 | | (A) A test of the applicants knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways. |
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| 103 | 103 | | |
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| 104 | 104 | | (B) A test of the applicants ability to read and understand simple English used in highway traffic and directional signs. |
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| 105 | 105 | | |
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| 106 | 106 | | (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. |
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| 107 | 107 | | |
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| 108 | 108 | | (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 the applicant 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. |
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| 109 | 109 | | |
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| 110 | 110 | | (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. |
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| 111 | 111 | | |
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| 112 | 112 | | (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 their 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. |
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| 113 | 113 | | |
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| 114 | 114 | | (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. |
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| 115 | 115 | | |
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| 116 | 116 | | (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. |
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| 117 | 117 | | |
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| 118 | 118 | | (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: |
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| 119 | 119 | | |
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| 120 | 120 | | (1) Class A includes the following: |
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| 121 | 121 | | |
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| 122 | 122 | | (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. |
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| 123 | 123 | | |
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| 124 | 124 | | (B) A vehicle towing more than one vehicle. |
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| 125 | 125 | | |
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| 126 | 126 | | (C) A trailer bus. |
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| 127 | 127 | | |
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| 128 | 128 | | (D) The operation of all vehicles under class B and class C. |
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| 129 | 129 | | |
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| 130 | 130 | | (2) Class B includes the following: |
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| 131 | 131 | | |
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| 132 | 132 | | (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. |
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| 133 | 133 | | |
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| 134 | 134 | | (B) A single vehicle with three or more axles, except any three-axle vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds. |
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| 135 | 135 | | |
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| 136 | 136 | | (C) A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, except a trailer bus. |
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| 137 | 137 | | |
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| 138 | 138 | | (D) A farm labor vehicle. |
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| 139 | 139 | | |
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| 140 | 140 | | (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. |
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| 141 | 141 | | |
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| 142 | 142 | | (F) A house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers. |
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| 143 | 143 | | |
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| 144 | 144 | | (G) The operation of all vehicles covered under class C. |
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| 145 | 145 | | |
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| 146 | 146 | | (3) Class C includes the following: |
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| 147 | 147 | | |
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| 148 | 148 | | (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. |
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| 149 | 149 | | |
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| 150 | 150 | | (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. |
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| 151 | 151 | | |
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| 152 | 152 | | (C) A house car of 40 feet in length or less. |
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| 153 | 153 | | |
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| 154 | 154 | | (D) A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less. |
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| 155 | 155 | | |
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| 156 | 156 | | (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. |
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| 157 | 157 | | |
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| 158 | 158 | | (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. |
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| 159 | 159 | | |
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| 160 | 160 | | (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. |
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| 161 | 161 | | |
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| 162 | 162 | | 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. |
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| 163 | 163 | | |
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| 164 | 164 | | (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: |
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| 165 | 165 | | |
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| 166 | 166 | | (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. |
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| 167 | 167 | | |
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| 168 | 168 | | (ii) Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations. |
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| 169 | 169 | | |
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| 170 | 170 | | (iii) Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation. |
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| 171 | 171 | | |
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| 172 | 172 | | (H) Firefighting equipment, provided that the equipment is operated by a person who holds a firefighter endorsement pursuant to Section 12804.11. |
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| 173 | 173 | | |
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| 174 | 174 | | (I) A motorized scooter. |
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| 175 | 175 | | |
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| 176 | 176 | | (J) A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, except a trailer bus. |
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| 177 | 177 | | |
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| 178 | 178 | | (K) Class C does not include a two-wheel motorcycle or a two-wheel motor-driven cycle. |
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| 179 | 179 | | |
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| 180 | 180 | | (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. |
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| 181 | 181 | | |
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| 182 | 182 | | (5) (A) Class M2 includes the following: |
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| 183 | 183 | | |
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| 184 | 184 | | (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. |
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| 185 | 185 | | |
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| 186 | 186 | | (ii) A motorized scooter. |
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| 187 | 187 | | |
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| 188 | 188 | | (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. |
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| 189 | 189 | | |
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| 190 | 190 | | (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. |
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| 191 | 191 | | |
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| 192 | 192 | | (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. |
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| 193 | 193 | | |
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| 194 | 194 | | (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 the applicant 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 the applicant is applying. |
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| 195 | 195 | | |
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| 196 | 196 | | (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 the applicant is applying. |
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| 197 | 197 | | |
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| 198 | 198 | | (g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to subdivision (e), (f), or (g) of 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 the applicant 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. |
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| 199 | 199 | | |
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| 200 | 200 | | (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. |
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| 201 | 201 | | |
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| 202 | 202 | | (i) A person under 21 years of age shall not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless he or she the person 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. described in subdivision (e) or (f) of Section 2932. |
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| 203 | 203 | | |
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| 204 | 204 | | (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 the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years. |
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