The new report, written by King, chairman of the state’s Technology Advisory Council, and three other subject matter experts also from outside state government: Amy Albus, Jenni Hein and Theresa Wise. Higher license fees, fewer exam stations? Minnesota wasn’t meeting that bar at the time. Minnesota’s legislative auditor also noted the initial consolidation to 15 stations broke state law, since DVS is required to offer knowledge and road tests for Class D licenses either in or adjacent to every county in the state. Those obstacles were unfair when people in the metro area had easier access to the basic service, lawmakers said, and argued there should be more research and public debate over the issue.
#Drivers exam station drivers#
“We could easily see that the number of 40 to 50 would cover all the locations,” said former Thomson Reuters executive Rick King, who led the panel, at a press conference at the state Capitol Thursday.Ĭommissioner John Harrington In March 2021, DPS Commissioner John Harrington said he wanted to reopen exam stations “strategically” and said consolidation of sites could offer “major efficiencies.”īut the concept of closing stations throughout Greater Minnesota rankled many lawmakers, who said constituents had complained of long wait times and longer drives that hampered not just young students getting their first license but farmers, bus drivers and others. Just as the state says it will finally finish opening all 93 stations by the end of January, the panel of experts who came up with the suggestions says that Minnesota should cut the number of exam stations by roughly half. But as part of their reopening plan, lawmakers also asked for an independent review of the system and recommendations for the future of the stations. The initial closures created a huge backlog of appointments for road tests, and politicians from both parties were frustrated that many in Greater Minnesota had to drive long distances for services.
Last year, Minnesota lawmakers ordered the state to reopen all 93 of its driver’s license exam stations after most of the offices were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Legislature approving more than $5 million for the task.
0 kommentar(er)
