JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As state offices reopen to the public, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles made changes to how road tests will be conducted for driver's licenses.
To reduce exposure, the examiners will remain outside of the vehicle during a driver's road test. They will use devices, such as a walkie-talkie or cell phone, to give instructions to driver. The road test will be conducted in a "closed course at the office."
Drivers will need to be accompanied by a licensed copilot during the road test. This passenger must be at least 21 years old, cannot be the driving school instructor, and cannot help the driver during the exam.
“That’s a little extreme just to take a driver’s test,” Jacksonville mother Amber Jones said.
Jones faced difficulties with the DMV when her tags expired during the pandemic. She said she was able to get it renewed last Thursday, but faces new changes in the office.
“You have to have a confirmation number and an appointment,” Jones said. “You have to wear a face mask when you go in. You have to give your telephone number.”
Jones said she’s concerned the new road test changes could lower the standard of driving and make the road more dangerous.
“That’s not an efficient way to take a driver’s test, especially for a young teenager. Regardless if it’s a grown adult but a teenager doing it, I don’t think that’s right,” Jones said.
All DMV branches in Jacksonville will reopen on Monday, June 1st. The only exception is the Marietta Branch.
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