DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 592 Reengrossed 2023 Regular Session Schamerhorn
Abstract: Revises portions of the driver education law to allow a skills test administered by a
properly licensed and contracted third-party examiner to driver education courses. Provides
for a skills test to be administered to students eighteen years of age or older participating in
driver education course.
Present law provides for "driver education course" requirements.
Proposed law specifies that the driver education course be administered by a Class "D" and "E"
driver education provider licensed and contracted under present law.
Present law requires at least eight hours of actual driving instruction as part of a "prelicensing
training course" and includes the administration of the skills test at a properly licensed third-party
examiner's discretion.
Present law authorizes a prelicensing training course for any person 18 or older if the driver
education course is not completed.
Proposed law requires a "prelicensing training course" be administered by a Class "D" and "E" driver
education provider licensed and contracted under present law when a person does not complete a
drivers education course.
Proposed law removes this requirement.
Present law requires a prelicensing training course consist of a minimum of six hours classroom
instruction and a minimum of eight hours of actual driving instruction.
Proposed law allows for the administration of the skills test by a third-party examiner as part of the
prelicensing training course.
Present law requires every person licensed or contracted under present law to operate a private
driving instructor training school or agency, or providing driving courses to also become licensed
or contracted as third-party testers.
Proposed law removes the requirement that licensed and contracted driving instructor training
schools or agencies also become licensed as third-party testers. Present law requires every person licensed pursuant to present law become licensed or contracted
as a third-party tester and to administer in accordance with law and administrative rules both the
knowledge and on-road driving skills test required for a Class "D" or "E" license.
Proposed law designates a "third-party examiner" as a properly licensed and contracted administrator
of the knowledge and on-road driving skills tests to administer under present law the knowledge and
on-road driving skills test required for a Class "D" or "E" license.
Proposed law allows for a web-based application by which a parent or legal guardian can provide
electronic signatures for any credential authorized in present law in connection with a minor's
application which allows for operation of a motor vehicle. Specifies that the electronic signature does
not apply to a first or initial issuance of a license or permit, which must be an in-person transaction.
(Amends R.S. 32:402.1(A)(2) and R.S. 40:1461(F); Adds R.S. 32:407(G); Repeals R.S. 40:1461(G))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation, Highways and
Public Works to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Remove the skills test and revert back to present law.
3. Make administration of a skills test permissive, instead of mandatory.
4. Remove the option for a restricted permit.
5. Remove repeated administration of a skills test until the student successfully passes.
6. Allow a parent or guardian to provide an electronic signature for any credential
authorized in present law for a minor to operate a motor vehicle.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Make technical changes.