SB 5695
In CommitteeSenate
Young driver safety
Improving young driver safety.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill requires most young adults ages 18–24 to complete certified driver training before getting their first license, starting in 2027, and establishes new funding mechanisms—including dedicated fees and speed camera revenue—to support expanded driver education, instructor training, and assistance for low-income drivers. It also creates a time-limited pilot of speed safety cameras in work zones to improve safety.
- Starting January 1, 2027, people ages 18–24 must complete a certified driver training education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel) before getting their first driver’s license—phased in by age each year.
- Online driver training courses are allowed, but those ages 18–21 must complete at least six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and those 22–24 must complete at least three hours.
- A new driver education safety improvement account will be created and funded by dedicated portions of licensing fees and speed camera fines to support driver education programs, instructor training, and low-income voucher programs.
- The state will expand training and certification for driver training school instructors, including mentorship and financial incentives to increase diversity in the industry.
- A voucher program for low-income novice drivers will be established beginning January 1, 2027, to help cover course costs—subject to appropriation.
- New speed safety camera systems in state highway work zones will be piloted until June 30, 2030, with fines of $248 for second and subsequent violations (first is $0), and revenue supporting driver education safety programs.
Who is affected
- Young adult drivers (ages 18–24) — Young adults ages 18–24 will be required to complete a driver training education course before obtaining their first driver’s license, with phased implementation starting in 2027. Those ages 18–21 completing online courses must also do at least six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction; those ages 22–24 must do at least three hours.
- Driver training schools and instructors — Driver training schools and instructors must meet new certification, curriculum, and reporting standards, and may receive support through expanded training and mentorship programs to increase capacity and diversity in the industry.
- Low-income novice drivers — Low-income individuals and families—especially those with limited transportation options or who are enrolled in community or technical colleges—may receive vouchers to help cover the cost of driver training courses.
- Tribal communities and young tribal drivers — Tribal communities will receive targeted support for young driver education and training through new partnerships with the state Department of Licensing.
- New driver’s license and instruction permit applicants — All applicants for a new driver’s license will pay a higher $50 examination fee (up from $35), and $15 of that fee will go to a new driver education safety account. Instruction permit applicants will also pay more ($35 vs. $25), with $10 going to the same account.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
The bill includes targeted support for increasing diversity among driver instructors and provides vouchers for low-income and mobility-challenged drivers, which can improve access to safe driving skills for historically underserved groups and reduce crash disparities.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 6(2)(b), Sec. 6(2)(c), Sec. 7(1), Sec. 9Mandatory certified driver training for ages 18–24—grouped by age cohort over six years—aligns with evidence that structured training reduces crash risk among young drivers, especially when it includes behind-the-wheel practice and risk-based curriculum.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(a)-(vii), Sec. 1(2), Sec. 10(2)(a), Sec. 11(1)Dedicated funding from licensing fees and speed camera fines creates a stable, self-sustaining revenue stream for driver education, instructor training, and tribal partnerships—reducing reliance on general fund appropriations and ensuring long-term program viability.
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 16, Sec. 12(4)(a)-(b), Sec. 13, Sec. 14, Sec. 15(9)The speed camera pilot in work zones—starting with a $0 first violation and $248 for repeat offenses—targets speeding where workers are present, and revenue supports driver education, potentially reducing work zone crashes while avoiding criminal penalties for first-time offenders.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 15(5), Sec. 15(9), Sec. 15(12)Facilitating partnerships between private driver training schools and public educational institutions expands access to training in areas where school districts lack resources, though the non-credit nature limits academic integration.
EducationLean peopleRef: Sec. 6(2)(d), Sec. 9
Potential Concerns (5)
The bill imposes a new mandatory driver training requirement on young adults ages 18–24, which will cost $500–$1,200 per person for standard commercial courses, plus additional fees ($50 exam fee + $35 instruction permit fee), placing a direct out-of-pocket burden on low- and middle-income young adults who must pay before obtaining a license needed for employment and mobility.
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(a)-(vii), Sec. 10(2), Sec. 11(1)The bill creates a dedicated revenue stream for the driver education safety improvement account by diverting $15 of the $50 exam fee, $10 of the $35 instruction permit fee, and one-third of the $0.75 license service fee—totaling ~$2.5M annually in new dedicated revenue—reducing general fund flexibility and potentially crowding out other transportation safety priorities.
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 16, Sec. 13, Sec. 12(4)(a)-(b), Sec. 14The voucher program explicitly excludes individuals who previously received financial support under other programs (e.g., TANF, SNAP work programs), limiting access for many low-income drivers who need it most, and the program is non-entitlement and subject to annual appropriation—making consistent funding unreliable.
FinancialLean peopleRef: Sec. 7(3), Sec. 7(7), Sec. 16Requiring 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction for online learners ages 18–21 may create scheduling bottlenecks and delays in obtaining licenses, especially in rural areas with limited instructor availability, potentially increasing unlicensed driving and associated crash risk during the transition period.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(b), Sec. 1(2)(c), Sec. 4(5), Sec. 11(1)Tribal partnerships and school/instructor collaborations are discretionary and subject to appropriation, meaning implementation will likely be uneven—urban districts and well-resourced schools will benefit more than rural and tribal communities with limited capacity to coordinate with state agencies.
Local GovernmentLean peopleRef: Sec. 9, Sec. 6(2)(d)
Who Is Most Affected
Young adults ages 18–24 face a new financial and time burden to obtain a license; low-income individuals may benefit from vouchers but still face barriers to access. This group is the primary target and bears both costs and potential safety benefits.
Low-income novice drivers are the intended beneficiaries of the voucher program, but access depends on program funding, administrative capacity, and whether they meet exclusion criteria (e.g., prior assistance). Vouchers may improve access but are not guaranteed.
Driver training schools and instructors face new certification and reporting requirements, but also new opportunities for growth, mentorship, and tribal partnerships. Small, independent schools may struggle with compliance costs, while larger chains may scale more easily.
Tribal communities receive targeted support for young driver education, but implementation depends on state funding and tribal capacity to engage in partnerships. This could improve access and cultural relevance of training in underserved areas.
All new license and instruction permit applicants face higher fees ($50 exam, $35 permit), but the bill includes a $15/$10 fee portion dedicated to driver education—making the increase partially user-fee based rather than general fund supported.