Posted: | June 5, 2020 10:32 AM |
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From: | Representative Melissa L. Shusterman |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Waive the Road-Test During a Disaster Emergency |
We are all familiar with the intermixed feelings of excitement, doubt, and nervousness that accompany getting behind the wheel of a car with a road-test administrator. For many of us, we wanted to finish this test as quickly as possible so we could finally experience the freedom of driving unaccompanied on the open road. However, out of an abundance of caution, PennDOT facilities were closed and road-tests were not administered for several weeks due to the ongoing public health crisis. This further delayed the ability of residents to pass the road-test, receive a driver’s license, and drive freely on our roads. With these residents in mind – many of them teenagers yearning for a taste of adulthood and independence – we must consider a reprieve for the road-test during a declaration of disaster emergency. I plan to introduce legislation to allow for a waiver from the road-test for the duration of a declaration of disaster emergency related to a public health crisis. Residents would be able to apply online for a temporary license and must complete other learner’s permit requirements. This legislation will also require the completion of a road-test after the termination of the disaster emergency to ensure our drivers are fully capable of being behind the wheel. Our colleagues in Georgia and Wisconsin have already allowed for an exemption from the road-test in response to the current pandemic. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to ensure future public health crises do not further delay the ability of our residents to drive freely on our roads. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. |
Introduced as HB2589