Senate approves measure allowing private licensing for driver skill tests to reduce backlog

Senators approved House Bill 371 after floor debate about private licensing for driver skill tests. Sponsor Senator Juarez moved to uncircle the bill and described it as "a customer service bill" aimed at shortening the current 6–7 week wait for skill tests.

Senator Valentine and other proponents said the change would allow the department to license private providers to offer the same test and keep the program self‑funding through fees and internal accounting, which they said would avoid drawing from state transportation funds. "We currently have 6 to 7 week backup... If we pass this, it'll allow the department to license the private providers to do the same service," the sponsor said on the floor.

Opponents highlighted concerns about competition with public school driver‑training programs. Senator Hall explained she would vote no because private driving schools could draw students out of school courses and potentially reduce driving education quality. On the floor she said she worried the change could "pull the kids out of schools" and complicate effective instruction.

The Senate recorded the question and proceeded to a roll call; the president announced the bill passed in open session and will return to the House for consideration.

What happens next: The bill will be returned to the House for enrollment and further consideration; sponsors signaled readiness to adjust implementation if issues such as supervisory oversight arise during implementation.