An Update for DMV Examiners
By CSLEA Senior Counsel Ryan Navarre
SACRAMENTO – On June 17, 2020, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) and the California Organization of Licensing Registration Examiners (COLRE) held a teleconference with Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) executives to discuss the eventual rescheduling of drive tests.
Participating from CSLEA were senior attorneys Ryan Navarre and Jim Vitko. Representing COLRE were President Enrique Razo and COLRE Secretary Manuel Gonzalez. The DMV team consisted of executives from the Human Resources Branch, Field Operations Division, and Licensing Operations Division.
The discussion focused on safety protocols and equipment as they pertain to COVID-19 and the health of examiners as they tackle a significant drive test backlog.
“This was a very productive meeting in which we also discussed ideas to address the backlog and ways to assist examiners during upcoming months,” said COLRE President Razo. “As we have learned during this pandemic, things can change over time and we will be constantly engaged with the Department throughout this process.”
CSLEA expressed concerns regarding the backlog and the health and well-being of licensing registration examiners and are expecting DMV responses to those concerns in the upcoming days.
“Although there is not a specific date when drive tests will resume, it sounds like it will occur in the near future,” said CSLEA Senior Counsel Navarre. “DMV is engaged with the Governor’s Office and California Department of Public Health to determine the appropriate time and manner to resume drive tests.”
Just as DMV has done during other reopening phases, prior to resuming drive tests, DMV will issue a detailed informational memo to all examiners explaining drive test procedures and safety protocols.
“CSLEA and COLRE want to thank all the examiners who have shared their thoughts and ideas with us,” said CSLEA Senior Counsel Vitko. “This information has been invaluable as we discuss how to proceed during this event.”
