(a) All behind-the-wheel training required to obtain certificates pursuant to Sections 12517 and 12519 of the Vehicle Code shall be performed by a state-certified instructor or by a delegated behind-the-wheel trainer who has been certified or approved by the department to conduct the required training.

(b) A “delegated behind-the-wheel trainer” means a person selected to assist a state-certified instructor in the behind-the-wheel training of drivers. Selected persons shall be trained by state-certified instructors and approved by the department before conducting any behind-the-wheel training. The minimum standards for the selection of a delegated behind-the-wheel trainer are as follows:

(1) One year experience as a driver of the appropriate type and size vehicle immediately preceding the date of selection as a delegated behind-the-wheel trainer.

(2) Possession of the appropriate license, certificates, and endorsements needed to drive and train in a particular type and size vehicle.

(3) A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.

(4) A driving record without chargeable accidents within the past three years immediately preceding the date of selection.

(5) Successful completion of all training in the latest edition of the Instructor’s Behind-the-Wheel Training Guide for California’s Bus Driver’s Training Course given by, and in the presence of, a state-certified instructor of the appropriate class.

(6) Successful completion of a written assessment test on current laws, regulations, and policies given by, and in the presence of, a state-certified instructor of the appropriate class.

(7) Successful completion of a driving test and a behind-the-wheel training performance test on all phases of behind-the-wheel and vehicle inspection training. The test shall be given by, and in the presence of, a state-certified instructor of the appropriate class.

(c) The state-certified instructor shall train and document the qualifications and competence of each delegated behind-the-wheel trainer to be utilized in training. All training required by this section shall be documented on the State Department of Education Training Certificate T-01, and signed by a state-certified school pupil activity bus (SPAB), transit bus, schoolbus, or farm labor vehicle driver instructor of the appropriate class, and by the delegated behind-the-wheel trainer. The signatures shall certify that the instruction was given to, and received by, the delegated behind-the-wheel trainer and that the delegated behind-the-wheel trainer displayed a level of competency necessary to train drivers to drive authorized vehicles in a safe and competent manner. The completed State Department of Education Training Certificate T-01 shall be submitted to the department in Sacramento, along with all other required documents, when requesting approval of a delegated behind-the-wheel trainer.

(d) The department may disapprove the eligibility of a delegated behind-the-wheel trainer for any of the following causes:

(1) The state-certified instructor authorizing the competency of the delegated behind-the-wheel trainer has requested disapproval.

(2) The employer of the delegated behind-the-wheel trainer has requested disapproval.

(3) The delegated behind-the-wheel trainer has voluntarily requested disapproval.

(4) The delegated behind-the-wheel trainer failed to comply with Section 40087.

(5) The delegated behind-the-wheel trainer failed to comply with Section 40084.5.

(6) The delegated behind-the-wheel trainer does not possess a valid driver’s license, appropriate endorsements, or special driver’s certificate of the appropriate class.

(7) The delegated behind-the-wheel trainer’s driver’s license or special driver’s certificate has been suspended or revoked.

(e) A delegated behind-the-wheel trainer may be limited in behind-the-wheel training as determined by the department.

(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 646, Sec. 14. Effective January 1, 2000.)