For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q10075
October 26, 2007
EMPHASIS: Missouri State Highway Patrol And Department Of Corrections Create Pilot Program

Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Director Larry Crawford, Missouri Department of Corrections, announce the Patrol will participate in a pilot program with the Department of Corrections Re-entry Unit. This pilot program will allow offenders in the transitional phase (six months short of release) to take the written portion of the Missouri driver’s license test. The pilot program will take place at three correctional facilities: Boonville, Tipton, and Algoa, for a six-month period beginning November 5.

The Patrol’s Driver Examination Division will conduct this pilot program. Driver examination staff will travel to the correctional facility to administer the written driver’s tests. Testing will take place in a classroom setting, with 10 offenders testing at one time. The Department of Corrections is funding the program.

Offenders whose convictions included vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, vehicular assault, or being the wheelman during the commission of an offense will not be eligible to take the written driver’s test. If the offender passes the test, the proper paperwork will be completed and placed into their file, to be given to the offender on the day they are released. At that time, the offender may present the paperwork to the Department of Revenue to receive a permit, or take the driving portion of the driver’s license exam.

Department of Corrections employees will be responsible for providing a class to those offenders who are eligible for this pilot program. Normal Department of Corrections security procedures regarding visitors and inmates will be followed at all times. The Department of Corrections will determine which offenders are eligible to take the written test. Department of Corrections employees will provide appropriate identification for each offender to Patrol employees as required by law for anyone taking a driver’s test. This written test offered will be for the Class F license. No CDL or Class E tests will be given.