The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) said it's temporarily suspending all non-commercial driving skills tests statewide after one drive examiner in Las Vegas contracted COVID-19.
“We’re taking this brief pause to re-evaluate our protocols. 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,” said DMV Director Julie Butler.
Officials said the examiner, based at the West Flamingo office, reported feeling ill prior to reporting for work on Wednesday, June 17, and has not worked since. They said the examiner was wearing full PPE during all tests performed on Monday and Tuesday. They said drive tests resumed this past Monday for the first time since the department closed on March 16.
Officials said the case was reported to the Southern Nevada Health District for investigation. They said no other information will be released due to ADA and HIPPA privacy laws. Employees and individuals who came into contact with the examiner will be notified by the Health District.
They said driving tests will resume on June 22. Examiners will continue to wear full PPE and driving test applicants will now be required to wear face coverings. The department will continue to take temperatures of applicants before taking the test and will initiate daily temperature checks of staff starting next week, in addition to self-assessments of symptoms.
“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 said.
Officials said the West Flamingo office has been cordoned off. The department is planning a deep cleaning of the facility on June 20, during a previously-planned closure.
They said the DMV offices remain open for general services, following guidelines related to operating during the pandemic.
Officials said the DMV is reopening its appointment services to the public and beginning on June 22, will serve only customers will appointments at the Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas and Reno offices.
They said the change will help eliminate long lines formed outside the DMV since it's resumed limited in-person services on June 15. Procedures at rural and commercial offices will not change.
Officials said appointment scheduling will be available at 8 p.m. on Friday evening at dmvnv.com.
“We thank our customers for their cooperation over the past week as we took care of those with the most urgent needs,” said Director Butler said. “We’re ready to go with appointments, but I want to stress that our other reopening procedures haven’t changed. If you can drive legally, please delay your DMV visit until mid-July or later. Visit our website first.”
