What happens at a hearing
Driver license hearings are administrative in nature. Therefore, they are more informal than court proceedings.
Your hearing may be in person or by phone. When you are scheduled for a hearing, the notice that is sent to you will indicate whether it is in person or by phone. If it is by phone, there will be a phone check-in number. If you are scheduled for an in-person hearing, make sure you give yourself extra time, particularly since it can be difficult to find a parking space. Due to the caseload of the Hearings Division, latecomers cannot be accommodated, and your hearing may proceed without your presence.
During the hearing, you will meet with a Hearing Officer who will explain the nature and purpose of the hearing to you. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure, however the Hearing Officer cannot provide legal advice. If your case is an express consent case, if the officer is requested to appear, he or she will testify first and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions (cross-examine) the officer. For any other matter, the Hearing Officer will review the evidence with you, such as reviewing your points record. You will have an opportunity to present evidence such as witnesses or you may testify on your own behalf. You are not required to testify if you do not want to.
*Disclaimer: This summary was prepared by the Department of Revenue Hearings Division and should be used as a reference only. Interested parties should refer to the full text of the law and seek legal counsel before drawing conclusions.