California Firefighter Drivers Licensing

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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. AB 1648 Requirements • Fire agencies now required to participate in the DMV “Pull Program”. Cal. Veh. Code Section 1808.1 (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

6. AB 1648 Requirements • Section 12804.11 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Questions? FDAC 1218 K Street Suite 2290 Sacramento 1.800.829.4309 Fire Districts Association of California

15. Fire Districts Association of California