Senate File No. 1394 is a legislative bill aimed at amending the current driver's license road skills examination processes in Minnesota. Here are some of the key provisions of the bill:

1. Third-Party Testing: The bill allows for third-party programs and testers to conduct behind-the-wheel road tests for Class D driver's licenses. This includes setting specific requirements and criteria that these third-party testers need to meet to ensure quality and compliance.

2. Audits and Appeals: It mandates audits of the third-party testers and provides a mechanism for appealing decisions made by the Commissioner of Public Safety.

3. Examination Requirements: The examination for a driver's license includes:

   • A vision test (or a vision examination certificate),
   • Understanding of road signs,
   • Knowledge test covering traffic laws, the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, railroad crossing safety, slow-moving vehicle safety, school bus safety, bicycle-related traffic laws, and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
   • A practical driving test to demonstrate control of a vehicle,
   • Additional physical and mental examinations deemed necessary.

4. Special Provisions: The bill makes sure that applicants with color blindness or diabetes mellitus cannot be denied a license solely on these grounds. Disabled veterans with specially equipped vehicles, if otherwise qualified, must be granted a license.

5. Examination Locations and Scheduling: Applicants must be able to take their examination in their county of residence or an adjacent one. The schedule for each exam station must be posted online, with real-time updates on availability.

6. Appointment Times: The bill aims to ensure that an applicant can get an examination appointment within 14 days of their request if they are eligible. The transportation department’s website must show available exam dates and times and allow appointments to be booked at least three months in advance. The release of new appointments should be staggered throughout the day.

7. Website Accessibility: Information about exam dates and times should be accessible without the need for logging in or providing personal information.

Overall, S.F. No. 1394 seeks to make driver's license testing more accessible and efficiently managed, giving more options for testing while maintaining strict standards for testing quality.