Hearings and informal interviews held under this chapter shall be conducted by a presiding officer who shall be delegated the authority to conduct such hearings and informal interviews by the director. The presiding officer shall have the powers and duties provided by chapter 34.05 RCW, and may be authorized by the director to make final determinations regarding the issuance, denial, cancellation, or suspension or revocation of a driver's license or a nonresident's privilege to drive. If the presiding officer is authorized by the director to make final determinations, the decision shall be final.

If the presiding officer is not authorized to make final decisions the results shall be subject to review by the director or his, her, or their designated representative. The director or his, her, or their designated representative upon review of the records, the evidence, and the findings of the presiding officer shall promptly render his, her, or their decision sustaining, modifying, or reversing any order entered by the department.