(a) The department shall establish standards for and shall administer the motorcycle rider education program. The program shall include, but is not limited to, rider training courses and instructor training. The department may expand the program to include public awareness, alcohol and drug effects, driver improvements for motorcyclists, licensing improvement, program promotion or other motorcycle safety programs.

(b) The director shall appoint a program coordinator who shall oversee and direct the program by setting program and funding guidelines, and conduct an annual evaluation.

(c) The director may also appoint one (1) or more training specialists who shall assist in establishing rider training courses throughout the state, support and implement program and funding guidelines and supervise instructors and other personnel as necessary. The training specialist may be a trained chief instructor.

(d) Rider training courses shall be open to all residents of the state who either hold a current valid driver license for any classification or who are eligible for a motorcycle learner's permit.

(e) An adequate number of rider training courses shall be provided to meet the reasonably anticipated needs of all persons in the state who are eligible and who desire to participate in the program. The department shall issue certificates of completion in the manner and form prescribed by the director to persons who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the course. Program delivery may be phased in over a reasonable period of time.

(f) The department may enter into contracts with either public or private institutions for technical assistance in conducting rider training courses, if the course is administered and taught by a trained motorcycle rider instructor as established in § 55-51-103. A private organization providing a rider training course may charge a tuition fee; provided, that a private organization receiving a subsidy grant to provide for the start-up costs incurred in establishing the rider training course may charge a tuition fee with a maximum tuition fee to be determined by the department.

(g) In accordance with the procedures established by the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, the department shall adopt rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the motorcycle rider education program.

(h) The director shall regulate and administer the motorcycle rider education program established under this chapter, and any person or entity providing instruction as authorized in this chapter shall not be subject to the state's commercial driver training laws, as found in chapter 19 of this title or regulations issued pursuant to those laws.