SECTION 1. Section 31-10-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-10 entitled "Operators' and Chauffeurs' Licenses" is hereby amended to read as follows:

31-10-5. Special restrictions for drivers for compensation. -- (a) No person who is under the age of twenty-one (21) years shall drive any school bus transporting school children, or any motor vehicle when in use for the transportation of persons or property for compensation, nor in either event until he or she has been licensed as a chauffeur for either purpose as the license indicates. Colleges and universities shall be exempt from the requirement for a public plate for vehicles used to shuttle only students or employees to various points within the college or university campus. Provided, however, that the college or university shall own and operate the shuttle service and there shall be no specific charge for the transportation of students or employees. The division of motor vehicles shall not issue a chauffeur's license for either purpose unless the applicant has had at least one year of driving experience prior to the application, and has filed with the division one or more certificates signed by a total of at least three (3) responsible people to whom he or she is well known certifying to the applicant's good character and habits, and the administrator is fully satisfied as to the applicant's competency and fitness to be so employed.

(b) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, any person attempting to obtain a chauffeur's license to drive a school bus transporting school children shall, prior to being certified:

(1) Successfully complete a ten (10) hour school bus driver training course conducted by the department of administration, and file a certificate of successful completion with the division of motor vehicles. The curriculum of that course and the accreditation of courses offered shall be pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the division of motor vehicles;

(2) Pass a written examination prepared and given by the department of administration; and

(3) Pass a driving test in a school bus of a type similar to the bus which that person will be employed to drive. The test will be prepared and given by the department of administration.

(c) Prior to issuing a certificate to any person who intends to drive a school bus, the division shall review that person's motor vehicle record. Any violation of any safety regulation or conviction of any motor vehicle law in this or any other state is grounds for refusing to issue a certificate.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.