Drivers test to cost $25 for first-timers

CARSON CITY -- Teenagers and older people heading to the Department of Motor Vehicles to take driving tests better carry a little extra cash.

Starting today, the DMV will charge $25 for the initial test for people applying for a permit to drive. Those who fail will have to pay $10 for a retest.

The charges were set in a bill passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jim Gibbons. The intent was to pressure new drivers to study the instruction book instead of walking in cold and taking the written test without studying.

In 2008, there was a 54 percent failure rate on prospective drivers who took the written test the first time. The failure rate on the driving test was nearly 30 percent.

"The Legislature passed this change to encourage motorists to study for the tests and to cut costs by reducing the number of tests given," said Edgar J. Roberts, the DMV director.

Tom Jacobs, a DMV spokesman, said there had been no charge for the test and people were taking it numerous times until they understood enough to pass.

With a charge, Jacobs said, the DMV hopes that more people will study before taking the test.

Another change approved by the Legislature will eliminate the need for all new residents younger than 25 to take the driving tests when they move to Nevada from a state where they were licensed to drive.

Starting now, only drivers 21 and younger moving to Nevada must take the driving tests.

All, however, still must pass the state's written test to obtain a Nevada license.

By lowering the age for drivers who must pass the driving test, the state will administer about 5,000 fewer driving tests a year.

Under another new law, the DMV, rather than the state Consumer Affairs Division, will begin to investigate complaints against auto repair garages. People with complaints about garages should submit them to the DMV Compliance Enforcement Division at www.dmvnv.com/ced.

A new law requires emissions inspections on heavier weight diesel vehicles in Clark and Washoe counties. Diesel vehicles weighing up to 14,000 pounds must undergo annual inspections.

Previously, only diesel vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds had to pass the emissions inspections.