(a) The department may issue a special permit to an uncertified applicator who cannot read English to use a particular restricted use pesticide for a period of time not to exceed the use season in which it is issued. Such a permit may not be issued until the department determines that the applicant is competent to use such pesticide. Such determination may be based on written certification by a department-approved training agent in the county in which the applicant resides or works that the applicant has specialized training from such agent and that the applicant has successfully completed a demonstration-type examination administered by the agent showing that the applicant has met the minimum requirements of section 325.18 of this Part.

(b) The department may issue to a certified private applicator a special permit authorizing purchase and use of a restricted use pesticide on an agricultural commodity for which the private applicator does not have a current certificate. Such permit shall be valid only for the growing season for which it is issued. An individual may not be issued such a permit for more than two consecutive seasons.