Which of the following statements correctly matches the documented hours for exam eligibility and operator's license?

• A. Written exam requires 1500 hours; Operator's license requires 1500 hours
• B. Written exam requires 1000 hours; Operator's license requires 1500 hours
• C. Written exam requires 1000 hours; Operator's license requires 1000 hours
• D. Written exam requires 1000 hours; Operator's license requires 1500 hours

Answer: (D)

The key idea is the progression from being eligible to take the exam to actually earning the license. In this setup, fewer hours are required to qualify for the written exam because it tests knowledge and understanding, while more hours are needed for the operator’s license because it also proves hands-on competence and safe practice.

The correct match says the written exam requires 1000 hours and the operator’s license requires 1500 hours. This fits the practical flow: you gather enough hours to sit for the exam, then you accumulate additional hours to demonstrate practical skill before you’re licensed.

Options that set the same or higher hours for both steps would blur or misalign the testing and licensing process, and those that assign lower hours to licensure would underrepresent the required real‑world experience.