Fire Districts Association of California California Firefighter Drivers Licensing Implementation of AB 1648

Fire Districts Association of California The Issues Fire agencies, particularly in rural areas, having difficulty getting operators and equipment to a DMV office for driver testing Reduction coming in 2012 of DMV testing sites to meet DOT requirements Rules on DL 170 program (internal testing) too arduous

Fire Districts Association of California Legislative Process California State Assembly hearings in Sacramento and San Diego Assembly Members Jeffries and Chesbro involved Introduction of AB 1648 in January, 2010

Fire Districts Association of California AB 1648 Introduced in January, 2010 Several iterations as it moved through the various Assembly and Senate Committees Signed by the Governor and Chaptered on September 27, 2010 Takes effect January 1, 2011

Fire Districts Association of California AB 1648 Requirements Fire agencies now required to participate in the DMV “Pull Program”. Cal. Veh. Code Section (h) (2) Fire agencies not subject to fees for Pull Program Pull Program requires initial screening, record updates, routine review and employers to not allow drivers to operate if they have violations

Fire Districts Association of California AB 1648 Requirements Section added to the California Vehicle Code Requires “Firefighter Endorsement” for driving and operating fire apparatus May be Class A, B or C with FF endorsement

Fire Districts Association of California Firefighter Endorsement Requisites Provide proof of employment/membership in FD (Letter from the Chief) to DMV FF completes training Requires department to train and certify Physical required every 4 years

Fire Districts Association of California Training SFM D/O 1A or NFPA 1002, 2008 version Prepare applicant for safe operation of fire apparatus At least 16 hours classroom At least 14 hours manipulative, driving

Fire Districts Association of California Driver Training Instructor Certs and Quals Instructor registered with the SFM to teach D/O 1A; or all of these: 5 years in FS as an emergency vehicle operator, three years of which at FAE or higher Possess Class A or B license Certified as a T/O by State, Feds or County Training Officers Association

Fire Districts Association of California Driver Candidate Requirements Pass a written test administered by DMV based on SFM materials Physical within 4 years of application Submit a medical report to DMV Holders of a current restricted FF license subject to physicals at time of renewal No added charge for FF endorsement

Fire Districts Association of California When is Endorsement Required? 1. Equipment operated by an employee/member as a firefighter of a fire agency; and, 2. The vehicle is used to travel to scenes carrying personnel and/or equipment

Fire Districts Association of California Other Information Endorsement not required while operating during training, during non emergency times, while under direct supervision of a qualified licensed operator Operation includes tiller and/or other vehicles that would otherwise require a Class A or B prior to effective date

Fire Districts Association of California Implementation Fire agency may continue requirement for Class A and/or B Applies to firefighters hired or renewing a license after January 1, 2011 Implication/intent is that current licensing is OK until renewal

Fire Districts Association of California Questions? FDAC 1218 K Street Suite 2290 Sacramento

Fire Districts Association of California