Relating to state driver’s license requirements for certain persons with a military driver’s license

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.178.