The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has temporarily halted all non-commercial driving skills tests across the state following a drive examiner in Las Vegas testing positive for Coronavirus. The suspension comes as a precautionary measure to reassess safety protocols.
“We’re taking this brief pause to re-evaluate our protocols,” said DMV Director Julie Butler. “Even though our examiners have been wearing personal protective equipment, the driver and the examiner sit in close proximity during a test. We must continue to put the safety of the public and our employees first.”
The affected examiner, stationed at the West Flamingo office, reported feeling unwell before starting work on June 17 and has not worked since then. During tests conducted earlier that week, the examiner was equipped with full personal protective gear including a face shield, mask, gloves, and gown. This follows the resumption of drive tests on June 15 after their suspension on March 16 due to COVID-19.
The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating the case, although no further details will be disclosed because of ADA and HIPPA privacy regulations. Individuals potentially exposed will be informed by health officials.
Driving skills tests are scheduled to resume on June 22. Examiners will maintain full protective gear use while applicants will now be required to wear face coverings for mutual safety. Additionally, temperature checks for both staff and applicants will be implemented along with symptom self-assessments.
“We know there is a huge demand for drive tests and we apologize for this temporary disruption in services while we continually look for the safest and most efficient ways to serve the public,” Butler added.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a thorough cleaning of the West Flamingo facility set for June 20 during an already planned closure.
General DMV services remain available statewide with facilities meeting or exceeding relevant COVID-19 guidelines. The offices have undergone multiple deep cleanings during closures and are well-stocked with necessary supplies like sneeze shields installed at counters. Employees have returned two weeks prior to reopening for training on social distancing measures and adherence to health monitoring requirements.
In another development, appointment services at DMV offices in Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas, and Reno will reopen starting June 22 exclusively for customers with pre-scheduled appointments. This adjustment aims to reduce lengthy queues seen since limited service resumption on June 15; however, procedures at rural and commercial locations remain unchanged.
Appointments can be booked online via dmvnv.com from 8 p.m., offering another option besides direct scheduling by DMV staff who have been assisting customers unable to receive immediate service previously.
