Analysis of the Effectiveness of Written Driver License Examinations in Evaluating Applicant Driver Abilities. Task 3. Arizona Classified License System

摘要

A state of the art description of classified driver's licensing systems across the country is provided in the report. Key findings include: (1) High accident rates for heavy vehicles and special skills required for their operation has led to the creation of special licenses for these vehicles; (2) The most common distinction between vehicle classifications is a gross weight of 24,000 pounds; (3) Special license endorsements are commonly required to operate motorcycles, school buses, emergency vehicles and vehicles carrying hazardous materials; (4) Most states using classified systems have phased them in slowly; (5) Thirty one states classify vehicles into three size categories; passenger vehicles, straight trucks and busses and tractor-trailer combinations. Twenty two of these states require special written exams for operators of heavy vehicles; (6) Most states have established standards of visual acuity but few have established health screening for operators of all heavy vehicles; (7) All of the states having classified licenses use skill tests; (8) Most states license heavy vehicle operators at age 18 and some require at least one year of experience.