MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Transportation

By: Representative Martinson

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO WAIVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE TAKING OF A WRITTEN TEST AND SKILL TEST BY AN APPLICANT FOR A MISSISSIPPI DRIVER'S LICENSE WHO, AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, HOLDS A VALID MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER'S LICENSE ISSUED BY ANOTHER STATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 63-1-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-33. It shall be the duty of the license examiner, when application is made for an operator's license or temporary driving permit, to test the applicant's ability to read and understand road signs and to give the required signals as adopted by the National Advisory Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

The commissioner shall have prepared and administer a test composed of at least ten (10) questions relating to the safe operation of a motor vehicle and testing the applicant's knowledge of the proper operation of a motor vehicle.

Prior to the administration of the test the license examiner shall inspect the horn, lights, brakes, inspection certificate and vehicle registration of the motor vehicle which the applicant expects to operate while being tested, and if he finds that any of the aforementioned items are deficient, no license or endorsement shall be issued to the applicant until same have been repaired.

The commissioner, in his discretion, may waive the requirement for the taking of a written test and skill test by an applicant who, at the time of application, holds a valid motor vehicle driver's license issued by another state.

Except as otherwise provided by Section 63-1-6, when application is made for an original motorcycle endorsement or a restricted motorcycle operator's license, the applicant shall be required to pass a written test which consists of questions relating to the safe operation of a motorcycle and a skill test similar to the "Motorcycle Operator Skill Test," which is endorsed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. The commissioner may exempt any applicant from the skill test if the applicant presents a certificate showing successful completion of a course approved by the commissioner, which includes a similar examination of skills needed in the safe operation of a motorcycle.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.