2/11/05-Gov. Mike Huckabee has signed a bill into law granting third parties authority to give skills tests required for truckers to obtain commercial driver’s licenses.
The new law, previously HB1077, passed the House and Senate by unanimous voting margins.
Sponsored by Rep. Phillip Jackson, R-Berryville, the legislation allows the Arkansas State Police to designate certain smaller trucking firms, driver training and technical schools to administer driving skills tests for truckers in the state. Companies that have more than 50 licensed commercial drivers already can administer the test.
State Police will continue to oversee and certify the testing process, but they can designate qualified third parties to administer the skills test for commercial licenses.
Third-party administrators, who are required to pay a fee to be in the program, would only be eligible to direct the skills test, not the written portion of the driver’s license exam.
The new law is scheduled to go into effect this summer.

1/21/05-Third parties would be allowed to give skills tests required for truckers to obtain commercial driver’s licenses under legislation approved by the House Public Transportation Committee Jan. 20.
HB1077, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Jackson, R-Berryville, would allow the Arkansas State Police to designate certain smaller trucking firms, driver training and technical schools to administer driving skills tests for truckers in the state. Companies that have more than 50 licensed commercial drivers already can administer the test.
Under the bill, the State Police would continue to oversee and certify the testing process, but they could designate qualified third parties to administer the skills test for commercial licenses.
Third-party administrators, who would be required to pay a fee to be in the program, would only be eligible to direct the skills test, not the written portion of the driver’s license exam.
The bill now moves to the full House for consideration. For House bill status, call (501) 682-7771.