What's happening
This bill allows New York driver training and highway safety instruction courses to be provided by state-approved online providers, not just in classrooms.
Why it matters
Expands access and flexibility. By allowing state-approved online providers to offer driver training, the bill enables more people—including those with busy schedules, transportation barriers, or who live far from training centers—to complete the required safety instruction.
Modernizes driver education. The change acknowledges technological advancements and aligns New York with many other states that already accept online driver education, potentially making the process more efficient and up-to-date.
Potential for increased course variety and competition. Online provider approval could lead to a wider range of course options and instructional approaches, possibly lowering costs and improving the quality of driver education through competition.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Allow Online Driver Safety Courses
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Allow Online Driver Safety Course
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Michael Cusick
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2766
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 17, 2017
Introduced by Sen. GOLDEN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to driver training and highway safety instruction course
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of subdivision 4 of section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 97 of the laws of 2016, is amended to read as follows:
(i) Upon submission of an application for a driver's license, the applicant shall be required to take and pass a test, or submit evidence of passage of a test, with respect to the laws relating to traffic, the laws relating to driving while ability is impaired and while intoxicated, under the overpowering influence of "Road Rage", or "Work Zone Safety" awareness as defined by the commissioner, the law relating to exercising due care to avoid colliding with a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle pursuant to section eleven hundred forty-four-a of this chapter, the ability to read and comprehend traffic signs and symbols and such other matters as the commissioner may prescribe, and to satisfactorily complete a course prescribed by the commissioner of not less than four hours and not more than five hours, consisting of [classroom] driver training and highway safety instruction or the equivalent thereof delivered by a state-approved classroom or online provider. Such test shall include at least seven written questions concerning the effects of consumption of alcohol or drugs on the ability of a person to operate a motor vehicle and the legal and financial consequences resulting from violations of section eleven hundred ninety-two of this chapter, prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Such test shall include one or more written questions concerning the devastating effects of "Road Rage" on the ability of a person to operate a motor
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06002-01-7
S. 2766 2
vehicle and the legal and financial consequences resulting from assaulting, threatening or interfering with the lawful conduct of another person legally using the roadway. Such test shall include one or more questions concerning the potential dangers to persons and equipment resulting from the unsafe operation of a motor vehicle in a work zone. Such test may include one or more questions concerning the law for exercising due care to avoid colliding with a parked, stopped or standing vehicle pursuant to section eleven hundred forty-four-a of this chapter. Such test shall be administered by the commissioner. The commissioner shall cause the applicant to take a vision test and a test for color blindness. Upon passage of the vision test, the application may be accepted and the application fee shall be payable.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that if section 2 of chapter 97 of the laws of 2016 shall not have taken effect on or before such date then section one of this act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as section 2 of chapter 97 of the laws of 2016 takes effect.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to driver training and highway safety instruction course
Purpose or general idea of bill
To allow applicants for a New York State driver's license to complete the mandatory five-hour safety course either through state approved classroom providers or state approved online providers.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1. Section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended to allow driver training and highway safety instruction to be delivered by a state-approved classroom or online provider.
Section 2. Sets forth an immediate effective date.
Justification
Upon submission of an application for a driver's license, applicants must satisfactorily complete a course prescribed by the commissioner of not less than four hours and not more than five hours, consisting of driver training and highway safety instruction. Currently, the courses are only delivered in a classroom setting. In today's ever evolving technological environment, there is a steady and consistent movement toward on-line offerings of goods and services. Allowing these courses to be done online would provide flexibility and efficiency to this step of the licensing process. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has been providing an increasing number of services to the public through internet based forums with great success and increased consumer satisfaction.
While a classroom setting might be the preferred (or only) option for some individuals, on-line access will provide a great convenience to many. Additionally, the ability for the Department of Motor Vehicles to monitor the activity of on-line providers and course participants is far better than traditional classroom settings.
Prior legislative history
2016: S.7479 - Referred to Transportation
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately, provided, however, that if section 2 of chapter 97 of the laws of 2016 shall not have taken effect on before such date then section one of this act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as section 2 of chapter 97 of the laws of 2016 takes effect.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.