Bill Targets Frequent Test-Takers at DMV

Officials Say Some Who Repeatedly Fail Exams Are Using Office as Driving School

RICHMOND -- After four decades on the job, examiner Pat Rollins knows that when an applicant for a Virginia driver's license fails his driving test, he will often come back to the state Department of Motor Vehicles office the next morning to try again. And again.

Tens of thousands of Virginians fail the tests multiple times. One applicant failed the written test 80 times last year. Another failed the behind-the-wheel test 10 times.

In a little-known problem just coming to light, state officials believe the excessive test-takers are trying to get a driver's education class at the state's expense. On Thursday, the Virginia Senate is scheduled to take up a House-passed measure cracking down on the test-takers, who clog the already-long lines at DMV offices.

"They are using the DMV as a de facto driving school," said Del. Timothy D. Hugo (R-Fairfax), who introduced the bill. "They should take a driving school class instead of wasting the DMV's time."

State officials say some adults do not have the necessary training or knowledge to get a driver's license. Instead of taking a class that can cost hundreds of dollars, they keeping coming back to the DMV to use the tests as a cheap way to learn.

"We have to explain to them that we are not there to train them," said Rollins, a DMV driver licensing quality assurance supervisor in Richmond who has been administering tests for 39 years. "You take your life in their hands."

The proposal before the General Assembly would restrict applicants from taking more than three written or behind-the-wheel tests in three months. Those who fail three times would be required to complete a class at a driver training school before taking another test.

The House has unanimously passed the bill. The Senate Transportation Committee is expected to pass the bill Thursday and send it to the full chamber for a vote before the 60-day legislative session ends March 8.

A handful of states, including Massachusetts and Minnesota, limit the number of times a test can be taken before an applicant is required to attend driving school, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Other states, including New York and Kansas, charge higher fees to applicants who fail the test multiple times.

In Maryland, efforts have been made in recent years to increase training for first-time applicants. The efforts far surpass Virginia's requirements, but the state does not limit the number of tests that can be taken. In the District, applicants are restricted to three behind-the-wheel tests in a year.

Karen Chappell, Virginia DMV deputy commissioner of operations, said the proposed change would reduce congestion at DMV offices and boost safety while saving money.

"We've got people basically using the road test to learn how to drive," Chappell said. "It's a complaint we hear from license examiners."