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Bill > SF152
IA SF152
IA SF152A bill for an act relating to state driver's license requirements for certain persons with a military driver's license.(Formerly SSB 1037.)
summary
Introduced
01/29/2025
01/29/2025
In Committee
05/15/2025
05/15/2025
Crossed Over
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
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 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 bill modifies the state's driver's license requirements for active-duty military personnel and recent veterans by allowing the Department of Motor Vehicles to waive certain standard licensing tests and examinations. Specifically, the bill creates a new provision that permits military service members or those who have separated from service within the past year to obtain a driver's license with reduced testing requirements if they meet specific conditions. To qualify, the applicant must have maintained a "clear driving record" (meaning no serious traffic violations, suspensions, or accidents), have been employed in a military position requiring vehicle operation, and have operated a similar type of vehicle during their military service. While receiving this waiver, applicants must still complete a basic screening of eyesight, a test on understanding traffic signs, and a test of state traffic law knowledge. The bill also exempts these applicants from standard driver education requirements, essentially streamlining the licensing process for military personnel transitioning to civilian driving. This provision aims to recognize the driving experience and skills gained during military service while ensuring basic safety standards are still met.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Veterans Affairs (Senate)
Last Action
Subcommittee recommends passage. (on 03/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF152 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF152.html |
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