Third-Party Tester Process

Private/Commercial Driving School

A company that sponsors instructors to administer the driving skills test.

Driver Education Instructor

Are individual employees who work for a private/commercial driving school.

This third-party tester program allows driver education instructors to administer regular driving skills tests (not CDL). Instructors who complete the five-day training program can then apply for certification with the Driver License Division to test individuals for the driving skills portion of the licensing process.

Step 1: Complete an approved instructor preparation course (this course will prepare you to instruct new drivers.)
Step 2: Submit:
- Instructor Application for each instructor.
- Fingerprint card for all school owners, operators, and instructors for a criminal background check (the school is responsible for all costs associated with the background check.)
Step 3: Complete a 100-question written knowledge test.
Step 4: Take a driving skills test.

Applicants for third-party testers may become licensed by meeting the license requirements of a private driving school and private driver education instructor. See the rules for opening a driving school.

Step 1: Read administrative rule R708-2.
Step 2: Complete an approved instructor preparation course (this course will prepare you to instruct new drivers.)
Step 3: Submit:
- School Application.
- Instructor Application for each instructor.
- Business plan prepared by the school operator.
- Fingerprint card for all school owners, operators, and instructors for a criminal background check (the school is responsible for all costs associated with the background check.)
- Course curriculum detailing how the school will provide required training hours.
- All forms, quizzes, tests, videos, training materials, and resources that will be used.
Step 4: Complete a 100-question written knowledge test.
Step 5: Take a driving skills test.
Step 6: DLD will conduct a site inspection of the school to ensure the location meets the administrative rule requirements.

It may take 60 days to review the submitted information for accuracy and provide any feedback for changes if necessary.