Section 1 defines "commercial driver's license" with reference to federal regulations.

Section 2 defines "third-party tester" as it is currently defined in Minnesota Rules.  It is an individual employed by a third-party testing program with a certificate issued by the Commissioner of Public Safety who is authorized to conduct road tests or skills tests.

Section 3 defines "third-party testing program" as it is currently defined in Minnesota Rules.  It is a program authorized by the commissioner to administer the road test or skills test.

Section 4 is largely identical to current provisions in Rules that prescribe conditions of eligibility for third-party testing programs operated by motor carriers, school bus companies, postsecondary schools, school districts, motorcycle safety courses, and public transit authorities.  The only substantive difference between this section and comparable provisions in Rules is in subdivision 3, clause 4, which provides that a school bus company that enters into a bilateral agreement approved by the commissioner may administer tests to individuals who are not employees of the company.  A similar provision exists in current Rules that apply to school districts.

Section 5 prescribes third-party tester qualifications and is largely identical to current provisions in Rules.  The only substantive difference between this section and comparable provisions in Rules is in subdivision 6, clause (2), which provides that the commissioner must offer, at a minimum of once a year, the trainings, workshops, or seminars at which attendance is required for maintenance of certification.

Section 6 deals with administration of road tests and skills tests conducted by a third-party tester.  Substantive differences between this section and comparable provisions in Rules are:

• Bill allows a third-party tester to impose a fee no greater than $100.  Current Rule does not allow a third-party tester to charge a fee.
• Bill allows a school bus company that is a third-party testing program to test other school bus companies' school bus driver employees.  Conforming changes are included in the section.