HB2200 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 27-23-108 to require commercial driver license applicants to pass knowledge and skills tests complying with federal regulations in 49 C.F.R. part 383, subparts G and H, and § 383.79, using a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pre-approved system compatible with the 2005 American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators Commercial Driver's License Test System as of January 1, 2013.

• Authorizes the Department of Arkansas State Police to allow third-party testers (state agencies, employers, private facilities, or local government entities) to administer skills tests under specified regulations and agreements complying with 49 C.F.R. §§ 383.75, 384.228, and 384.229.

• Permits the Department of Arkansas State Police to waive the skills test for applicants with valid military commercial driver's licenses issued within the twelve-month period prior to application, provided they certify their driving privileges have not been suspended, revoked, or canceled and have no disqualifying convictions.

• Transfers issuance authority for commercial driver instruction permits from the Department of Arkansas State Police to the Department of Finance and Administration, and requires permit holders to retake knowledge tests upon expiration before obtaining subsequent permits.

• Clarifies that commercial driver licenses cannot be issued while an applicant is subject to disqualification or has suspended, revoked, or canceled driving privileges in any state, unless all other state licenses are first surrendered.