.05 Qualifications for School Certification Applicants.

A. An applicant for an initial school certification:

(1) Shall be 21 years old or older;

(2) Shall be licensed as a drivers' school under Transportation Article, Title 15, Subtitle 7, Annotated Code of Maryland, and be in compliance with all the laws, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to the drivers' school license;

(3) May not have any pending charges or criminal convictions for:

(a) Fraud;

(b) A crime of moral turpitude;

(c) A sex offense;

(d) Contributing to the delinquency of a minor; or

(e) An offense within the last 5 years involving:

(i) A controlled dangerous substance;

(ii) Alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle; or

(iii) A felony while operating a motor vehicle;

(4) May not have any outstanding complaints or pending charges for alleged violations that, if proven, would constitute grounds to refuse, suspend, or revoke the school's:

(a) Certification under Transportation Article, §16-506, Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(b) License under Transportation Article, §15-109, Annotated Code of Maryland;

(5) Shall have a valid federal and State tax identification number;

(6) May not have any unresolved past due tax or other financial obligation due to Maryland; and

(7) Shall be in compliance with all the State and local requirements to be licensed and authorized to do business in Maryland.

B. If an applicant for a school certification is a partnership, corporation, or education institution, each individual responsible for the operation of the program shall meet the qualifications and requirements set forth in this regulation.