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Bill

SB 39

relative to establishing an alternative driver education program.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Aron and 11 co-sponsors

Creates an alternative driver education program to meet license requirements with comparable safety standards, flexible formats, and oversight.

Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 01/07/2026; SJ 1
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Bill Summary · SB 39

Bill Summary: SB 39 (New Hampshire, 2026) – Relative to Establishing an Alternative Driver Education Program

Overview

SB 39 proposes establishing and enabling an alternative driver education program within New Hampshire. The bill outlines the structure, eligibility, administration, and qualification criteria for an alternative program to standard driver education, with the goal of providing flexible or alternative pathways to meet driver education requirements.

Purpose and Intent

  • To provide an alternative to the traditional driver education curriculum and delivery method.
  • To expand options for individuals who may not participate in standard driver education due to scheduling, learning preferences, accessibility, or other barriers.
  • To ensure that alternative education programs meet consistent standards for safety, quality, and accountability.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Creation of an Alternative Driver Education Program
    Establishes or designates a framework for an alternative driver education program to fulfill the requirements needed to obtain a driver’s license or permit.

  • Eligibility and Participants
    Sets criteria for who may enroll in the alternative program (e.g., age, licensing status, prior driving experience, or other qualifying conditions). May include exemptions or accommodations for learners with disabilities or unique needs.

  • Curriculum Standards
    Requires the alternative program to meet specified learning objectives, safety standards, and core content comparable to traditional driver education. May outline minimum hours of instruction, required topics (traffic laws, safe driving practices, hands-on instruction, hazard perception), and assessment methods.

  • Delivery Methods
    Allows for diverse delivery formats, potentially including online modules, in-person sessions, simulators, or blended approaches. May specify supervision requirements and instructor qualifications.

  • Instructor Credentials
    Defines the qualifications, certifications, and training standards for instructors delivering the alternative program.

  • Assessment and Certification
    Establishes processes for evaluating learner progress, administering assessments, and certifying completion of the alternative program as meeting driver education requirements.

  • Program Accountability and Oversight
    Creates oversight mechanisms, data reporting, and compliance measures to ensure program quality and consistency with state safety standards.

  • Cost and Funding
    Addresses funding sources, potential fee structures, or state support to implement and maintain the program. May specify that participation fees, if any, are reasonable and transparent.

  • Transition Rules
    Notates how the alternative program interacts with existing driver education requirements, including any grandfathering provisions or transitional timelines for learners currently in progress.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Learners seeking driver education who prefer or require an alternative program.
  • Parents and guardians enrolling minors in driver education.
  • Licensed driving schools and independent instructional providers offering or seeking to offer the alternative program.
  • State agencies or departments responsible for driver licensing and education standards.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Rulemaking and Enactment Timeline
    The bill has undergone committee referrals and hearings, with action history indicating progression toward interim study and potential further refinement. It indicates consideration by transportation-related committees and an interim study process.

  • Notable Dates from Action History

    • Introduced and referred to Transportation: January 2025
    • Hearing held: January 28, 2025
    • Committee reports: Referred to Interim Study (January 7, 2026) and prior recommendations (February 2025)
    • Interim study process initiated: January 2026

  • Next Steps
    If advanced, the bill would likely proceed to an interim study outcome, followed by potential amendments and a vote by the Legislature or relevant committee, depending on NH legislative procedures for interim study bills and final passage.

Potential Impact

  • Expands driver education options, potentially increasing accessibility and tailoring instruction to diverse learner needs.
  • Could improve completion rates for driver education by offering more flexible formats.
  • Requires careful implementation to ensure equivalence in safety training and robust assessment standards.
  • May affect licensing timelines, instructor licensing requirements, and the operations of driving education providers.

This summary captures the essential elements of SB 39 as it relates to establishing an alternative driver education program in New Hampshire, including purpose, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and procedural context. For a final understanding, review the committee draft and any interim study recommendations once published.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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