To be Updated in 2008

HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAM
GUIDELINE No. 5
DRIVER LICENSING

Each state should have a driver licensing program: (a) To insure that only persons physically and mentally qualified will be licensed to operate a vehicle on the highways of the State, and (b) to prevent needlessly removing the opportunity of the citizen to drive. A model program would provide, as a minimum, that:

1. Each driver hold only one license, which identifies the type(s) of vehicle(s) he is authorized to drive.

2. Each driver submits acceptable proof of date and place of birth in applying for his original license.

3. Each driver:

   1. Passes an initial examination demonstrating his:

      1. Ability to operate the class(es) of vehicles(s) for which he is licensed.

      2. Ability to read and comprehend traffic sighs and symbols.

      3. Knowledge of laws relating to traffic (rules of the road) safe driving procedures, vehicle and highway safety features, emergency situations that arise in the operation of and other driver responsibilities.

      4. Visual acuity, which must meet or exceed State guidelines.

   2. Is reexamined at an interval not to exceed 4 years, for at least visual acuity and knowledge of rules of the road.

4. A record on each driver should be maintained which includes positive identification, current address, and driving history. In addition, the record system should provide the following services:

   1. Rapid entry of new data into the system.

   2. Controls to eliminate unnecessary or unreasonable delay in obtaining data which is required for the system.

   3. Rapid audio or visual response upon receipt at the records station of any priority request for status of driver license validity.

   4. Ready availability of data for statistical compilation as needed by authorized sources.

   5. Ready identification of drivers sought for enforcement or other operational needs.

5. Each license should be issued for a specific term, and should be renewed to remain valid. At time of issuance or renewal each driver's record should be checked.

6. There should be a driver improvement program to identify problem drivers for record review and other appropriate actions designed to reduced the frequency of there involvement in traffic accidents or violations.

7. There should be:

   1. A system providing for medical evaluation of persons whom the driver licensing agency has reason to believe have mental or physical conditions which might impair their driving ability.

   2. A procedure which will keep the driver license agency informed of all licensed drivers who are currently applying for or receiving any type of tax, welfare or other benefits or exemptions for the blind or nearly blind.

   3. A medical advisory board or equivalent allied health professional unit composed of qualified personnel to advise the driver license agency on medical criteria and vision guidelines.

8. The program should be periodically evaluated by the State, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should be provided with an evaluation summary. The evaluation should be provided with an evaluation summary. The evaluation should attempt to ascertain the extent to which driving without a license occurs.