N.J. Admin. Code § 13:71-7.25

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

Section 13:71-7.25 - Application for driver's license

(a) Every person desiring to drive a harness horse at a race meeting licensed by the Commission shall be required to obtain a license from the Commission. Such application shall be on forms provided by the Commission; applications may be filed at any Commission office. Such license shall be presented to the clerk of the course before driving.

(b) Every applicant for a license to drive a harness horse at a race meeting licensed by the Commission shall, in addition to any other requirements mentioned herein:

1. Be at least 16 years of age;

2. Submit evidence of good moral character;

3. Have a minimum of 20-40 vision in one eye, corrected, according to certification by a licensed optometrist, or ophthalmologist. All drivers must be examined at least biannually by one of the aforementioned doctors. A proof of such examination must be submitted with the license application;

4. Furnish a completed application form;

5. When requested, submit evidence of physical and mental ability and/or submit to a physical examination;

6. When requested, submit to a written examination at a designated time and place to determine his qualification to drive and his knowledge of racing and the rules;

7. Submit evidence of ability to drive in a race and, if a new applicant, this must include the equivalent of one year's experience.

(c) Any applicant who has complied with the requirements of (a) and (b) above, may be eligible for a license in New Jersey in the following categories:

(F) (Fair) A license valid for fair meetings. Drivers holding a license valid for fairs only who have driven at fairs must demonstrate an ability to drive satisfactorily before they will be granted a (Q) license valid for qualifying races.

(Q) (Qualifying) A license valid for fairs and a license for qualifying races at pari-mutuel meetings with the approval of the Presiding Judge. The Presiding Judge shall make a report to the United States Trotting Association relating to the performance of such a driver in a qualifying race. Drivers holding a qualifying license must demonstrate an ability to drive satisfactorily before a Presiding Judge before they will be granted a (P) Provisional license.

(P) (Provisional) A license valid for fairs and for pari-mutuel meetings subject to satisfactory performance and with the permission of the Racing Association. In cases where drivers are Provisional (P), it shall be noted on the program. Drivers holding a provisional license will not be considered for advancement to an "A" (full) license until he or she has qualified in one of the three following categories:

i. Had at least one year's driving experience while holding a "P" (Provisional) license plus 25 satisfactory pari-mutuel starts in the calendar year prior to application;

ii. Or had less than one year's driving experience while holding a "P" (Provisional) license but with at least 50 satisfactory pari-mutuel starts and the written approval from a licensed pari-mutuel Presiding Judge.

iii. Or made 25 satisfactory starts at extended pari-mutuel or Grand Circuit meetings in the two calendar year period preceding date of application provided he or she has had at least 50 satisfactory fair starts.

iv. In all cases, an individual must have demonstrated professional competence at all times and a Presiding Judge, licensed by a Racing Commission, must have submitted a satisfactory written report certifying to such performance.

(A) (Full) A full license for all meetings.

(V) (Probationary) A Probationary license indicating that the driver has been guilty of rule violations and has been warned against repetition of such violations.

(d) In the event any person is involved in an accident on the track, the Commission may order such person to submit to a physical examination and such examination must be completed within 30 days from such request, or his license may be suspended until compliance therewith.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:71-7.25

Amended by R.1976 d.125, effective 4/22/1976.
See: 8 New Jersey Register 47(b), 8 New Jersey Register 308(a).
Amended by R.1984 d.214, effective 6/4/1984.
See: 16 New Jersey Register 691(a), 16 New Jersey Register 1361(b).
Section substantially amended.
Amended by R.1990 d.126, effective 2/20/1990.
See: 21 New Jersey Register 3861(a), 22 New Jersey Register 667(a).
(a)1 deleted.