Bill

Bill > SSB1037


IA SSB1037

IA SSB1037
A bill for an act relating to state driver's license requirements for certain persons with a military driver's license.(See SF 152.)


summary

Introduced
01/22/2025
In Committee
01/22/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

Under current law, the effective date of a valid driver’s license held by any person at the time of entering the military service of the United States or of the state of Iowa, or held by a family member living with such person, is generally extended without fee until six months following the initial separation from active duty, absent certain aggravating circumstances pursuant to Code section 321.198 (military service exception). This bill authorizes the department of transportation (DOT) to issue a driver’s license to a person who is on active duty in the military service, or who has separated from such service in the past year (military applicant), and who obtained a testing waiver under the bill. The bill authorizes the DOT to waive the requirement that a military applicant actually demonstrate the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle and other physical or mental examinations if the military applicant certifies that, during the two-year period immediately preceding the application for a driver’s license, the military applicant held no other driver’s license other than a military license, and that the applicant maintained a clear driving record, described in the bill. A military applicant must also certify and provide evidence of relevant employment in a military position requiring operation of a motor vehicle and that the military applicant has experience S.F. _____ operating a motor vehicle representative of the class of motor vehicle the applicant expects to operate for at least two years immediately preceding honorable separation from military service, as evidenced by the person’s certificate of release or discharge from active duty, commonly referred to as a DD214. Similar provisions exist under current law for issuance of a commercial driver’s license. A military applicant must successfully complete an eyesight screening and tests on the ability to read and understand highway signs and knowledge of the traffic laws. A military applicant who obtains a waiver under the bill is exempt from the driver education requirements under Code section 321.178.

AI Summary

This Study Bill allows the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to grant a waiver for certain driver's license requirements for military applicants, defined as individuals on active duty or who have separated from service within the past year. Specifically, the bill permits the DOT to waive the practical driving test and other physical or mental examinations if the military applicant certifies they held only a military license for the two years prior to applying, maintained a clear driving record (meaning no suspensions, revocations, or moving violations causing accidents), and can provide evidence of at least two years of military employment operating a vehicle similar to what they intend to drive, as documented by their DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). While these practical and medical tests are waived, military applicants must still pass an eyesight screening, a test on reading highway signs, and a knowledge test on traffic laws, and they are also exempt from driver education requirements. This provision builds upon existing law that already offers similar waivers for commercial driver's licenses.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Veterans Affairs (Senate)

Last Action

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 152. (on 01/28/2025)

bill text


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