Definition

Approves and issues driver licenses and/or vehicle titles, registrations, tags and related permits to the public.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents in this class are fully qualified to examine documentation and applications for legality and compliance with the law, to conduct appropriate testing, and to approve and issue driver and/or vehicle licenses, titles, registrations, tags and special permits. Incumbents deal directly with the public.

Typical Work

Interprets and applies knowledge of laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures in the resolution of inquiries, complaints and problems; 

Provides guidance and information to the public regarding driver and/or vehicle licenses, titles, registrations, tags, waivers, permits and fees; 

Closely observes applicants in order to assess their physical and mental condition; operates visual screening equipment to determine if an applicant is visually impaired; tests for visual acuity, field of vision, phoria and fusion; 

Reviews applications for completeness and accuracy; evaluates documentation; determines eligibility and identifies fraudulent documents; 

Conducts oral and written knowledge tests of state and/or commercial vehicle codes; evaluates and grades written, oral and performance tests; 

Conducts drive tests to determine an applicant's ability to operate a vehicle and/or motorcycle safely; conducts commercial vehicle drive tests to determine an applicant's ability to operate a commercial vehicle, bus or tractor/trailer safely; lays out motorcycle skill test course; 

Administers special examinations to problem drivers; conducts re-examinations involving physical or mental handicaps, language barriers, habitual offenders and accident prone drivers; 

Conducts fraud and special drive test investigations; conducts inspections and investigations of commercial driver schools; 

Approves and issues original, renewal and duplicate driver licenses; approves and issues commercial driver licenses; processes applicants for organ donor and voter registration; approves and issues identification cards; issues vehicle titles, registrations and tags; approves and issues agricultural, in-transit, use-fuel tax, and other special vehicle permits; approves and issues permits for entry into restricted and emergency geographical locations; approves and issues driver education, medical and drive test waivers; staffs mobile driver licensing traveling unit; determines and collects appropriate fees; 

Examines motor vehicles for compliance with safety and legal requirements; verifies serial and motor numbers; 

Provides training; makes oral presentations to civic groups, students and others; testifies in court; participates in disaster relief; renders first aid as required; 

Uses computer to create, retrieve, review, change or update driver and/or vehicle licensing and titling information; 

Operates and maintains office equipment to include computers, automated testing machines, printers, scantron, copiers, fax and camera equipment; 

Receives and accounts for starting cash and fees; audits cash drawers against daily transmittals; prepares and maintains files, records and transmittals of fee collections, deposits, check registers, correspondence and the physical inventory of accountable items; prepares reoccurring reports; maintains office security; reviews, recommends and files updates to the examiner manual; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:  Washington State Motor Vehicle Code. 

Ability to:  read, understand and interpret complex laws, rules, policies, procedures and regulations; instruct employees in driver examining and vehicle licensing methods; deal with public in efficient and courteous manner; follow written and oral directions; work independently when required; speak publicly and write clear and concise reports.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

Successful completion of all components of the structured twelve-month training program as a Licensing Services Representative 1. 

OR 

An Associate of Arts degree or equivalent and two years of experience issuing driver licenses or vehicle titles and registrations to the public. 

Additional experience issuing driver licenses or vehicle titles and registrations to the public will substitute, year for year, for education. 

For positions doing driver licensing work: 

In addition to the desirable qualifications cited above, applicants must have five years of driving experience. 

NOTE:  A valid Washington State driver's license is required for appointment to, and continued employment in, positions performing drivers licensing functions.

Class Specification History

New class: 7-1-93 (Replaced Driver's License Examiner 1)
Revised new class code: (formerly 48402) effective July 1, 2007.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/13/2019, effective 7/1/2019.