Bill > SSB1037

Introduced Session

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.

Committee Categories

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

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

Official Document