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Changes coming to Arizona driver's license tests; traffic stop protocol expected to be added to exam

Posted at 5:46 AM, Feb 06, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-06 17:57:30-05

New changes are coming to the written driver’s license exam. 

This spring, anyone taking the written driver’s license test will need to be familiar with the proper protocol for traffic stops.

State Representative Reginald Bolding helped develop a list of recommendations for traffic stops. 

RELATED: Can you pass Arizona's driving test? 

“In the wake of a string of officer-involved shootings across the nation and the fact that Phoenix is in the Top 5 in officer-involved shootings prompted me to really take hold of this issue,” said Bolding.

Over the course of several months, Bolding worked with Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Department of Transportation and other community leaders on this matter. They discussed several scenarios that could occur during traffic stops.

“We then reached out to additional stakeholders to develop a list of recommendations for these scenarios,” said Bolding. The recommendations were then compiled into a comprehensive set of standards for traffic-stop safety.

“When beginning this process it was very clear that there is misalignment between what officers expect from drivers and what drivers expect from police officers during traffic stops,” said Bolding.

“The new protocol is not meant to be a comprehensive list of everything that needs to occur, but a strong set of standards, recommendations and education that I hope can ultimately save lives.”

The DMV is working on the correct verbiage for the protocol. It is expected to be rolled out this Spring.