(a) The Department shall establish standards for and shall administer the motorcycle rider training program. The program shall include rider training courses and instructor training. The Department may expand the program to include public awareness, alcohol and drug effects, driver improvement for motorcyclists, licensing improvement, program promotion or other motorcycle safety programs.

(b) The Commissioner shall appoint a program coordinator who shall oversee and direct the program by setting program and funding guidelines, and conduct an annual evaluation.

(c) The Commissioner shall also appoint one or more training specialists who shall assist in establishing rider training courses throughout the State, support and implement program and funding guidelines and supervise instructors and other personnel as necessary. The training specialist may be a trained chief instructor.

(d) An adequate number of rider training courses shall be provided to meet the reasonably anticipated needs of all persons in the State who desire to participate in the program. The Department shall issue certificates of completion in the manner and form prescribed by the Commissioner to persons who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the course.

(e) The Department may enter into contracts with either public or private institutions or organizations for technical assistance in conducting rider training courses, if the course is administered and taught according to standards established by the Department pursuant to this section for the motorcycle rider training program. If necessary, an organization conducting a rider training course shall charge a reasonable tuition fee which shall be determined by and paid to the Commissioner.

(f) The Commissioner shall adopt rules which are necessary to carry out the provisions of the motorcycle rider training program.

(g) In establishing standards for the motorcycle rider training program, the Department shall be guided by any existing national standards for such programs, including standards of the motorcycle safety foundation.

(h) Any person, agencies, institutions, or organizations offering motorcycle safety instruction under the auspices of this subchapter, with respect to such instruction activities, are exempt from the requirements of subchapter 4 of this chapter relating to driver training school licenses. (Added 1989, No. 268 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. June 21, 1990; amended 1997, No. 59, § 76, eff. June 30, 1997.)