Scheduling of hearing

(a) If the person or his attorney contacts the department after the person's arrest and prior to the expiration of seven days after the mailing of the suspension notice and requests a hearing, the department shall immediately assign a date, time and place for the hearing and shall communicate such information to the person or his attorney. Such request for a hearing shall be made by mail, in person or by telephone. The hearing shall be scheduled prior to the effective date of the suspension. (b) The department upon receipt of a request for hearing shall forward a letter to the person or his attorney confirming the date, time and place for the hearing.