Approved schools and agencies would give some Oklahoma driver tests

Eligible driver instructors and licensed driving-school workers may apply to become Service Oklahoma examiners for Class D skills tests and may proctor written tests. Eligible applicants include certified driver education instructors and certain workers at commercial driver-training schools, school districts, and licensed driving operators. Applicants must complete required courses and training that meet Service Oklahoma examiner standards. Applicants must pass an electronic national criminal-history check and pay its cost. The initial certification fee is $1,000, and the annual fee is $500 after training. Service Oklahoma may waive these fees for qualifying public-school driver-education employees who test only enrolled public-school students. A designated examiner may charge a fee for each Class D skills test, whether the applicant passes or fails. The provision applies when the act takes effect on November 1, 2026; certifications expire at the end of each calendar year and may be renewed.

Approved schools, transit agencies, government agencies, and private entities may hire Service Oklahoma-approved examiners to give Class A, B, or C skills tests and written tests. Eligible employers include commercial truck-driving schools, public transit agencies, state or local government agencies, schools, higher-education institutions, and private entities in Oklahoma. Service Oklahoma must approve the employer and the examiners must complete required commercial-examiner training. Service Oklahoma must approve at least one public transit agency with a program for Class A, B, or C licenses. A public transit agency may use examiners hired by another transit agency approved by Service Oklahoma. Applicants for third-party examiner or commercial-school instructor roles must complete an electronic national criminal-history check and pay its cost. The provision applies when the act takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Service Oklahoma must create rules for approvals, denial notices, and appeals for schools, agencies, and examiner applicants. The rules cover schools, public transit agencies, examiners, and state, county, or municipal agencies seeking approval under the testing program. Service Oklahoma must notify a denied applicant within 45 days of the denial. The rules must provide an appeal process. After an initial denial, the rules must limit each school, agency, or examiner applicant to two reapplications in a calendar year. These rulemaking requirements apply when the act takes effect on November 1, 2026.