Today, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation aimed at improving wait times for Minnesotans needing to take their driver’s test. The bill, Senate File 3226, allows private, third party testers to become certified to administer behind-the-wheel driver’s examinations.

“This is a commonsense solution to the backlog of driver’s tests around the state,” said Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing). “We cannot efficiently work through the 13,000 outstanding tests without help from third party testers. A driver’s license can make or break access to employment making this initiative incredibly important for all Minnesotans.”

The bill allows private behind-the-wheel instructors to be certified by the State of Minnesota to administer Class D driving tests. The Department of Public Safety would develop a uniform standard on which students are tested, approve acceptable testing routes, and audit third party testers, if necessary, to ensure the program’s integrity. The bill comes following a troubling investigation by KARE 11 last year, which found students of certain driving schools were given preference for taking driver’s tests while other students resorted to camping outside testing centers to secure a spot. In many cases, appointments had to be scheduled months in advance and at locations nowhere near the student’s residence.

The legislation awaits action by the House of Representatives. If it is signed into law, the legislation will take effect on August 1.