8. a. The department, before denying, suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew a license, shall give notice to the operator personally, or by certified or registered mail to the last known address of the operator with return receipt requested. The notice shall afford the operator with an opportunity to be heard in person or by an attorney, and to offer evidence pertinent to the subject of the hearing.
b. The hearing shall take place within 60 days from the issuance or mailing of the notice and shall be conducted in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).