(1) Applications for an initial license submitted by trainers, assistant trainers, jockeys, apprentice jockeys, jockey agents, exercise riders, pony riders, or outriders must be reviewed by a steward to determine if the applicant is qualified for the license requested.

(a) All assistant trainers must also obtain a groom license.

(b) Jockeys must have an exercise rider license to perform exercise rider duties.

(2) The determination whether an applicant is qualified for the license will be made by a steward based on review of the application, and, at the discretion of the steward, the applicant may also be required to do one or more of the following:

(a) Pass a written exam;

(b) Appear for an oral interview either in person or by phone; or

(c) Demonstrate skills required for the license.

If a steward determines that an applicant is not qualified to receive the license requested, the applicant will be notified and provided an opportunity to request a stewards' ruling conference on that issue.

(3) If an applicant has been previously determined, within the past five years, to be qualified for the license requested, review of the applicant's qualifications for that license is not necessary for subsequent license applications for the same type of license. An applicant may be determined to be qualified for the license requested if that person has been licensed in this state or other recognized jurisdiction in the past five years.