Tests of knowledge concerning specified vehicles; endorsement; nonresidents; violations.

(1) In addition to fulfilling any other driver licensing requirements of this chapter, a person who:

(a) Drives a double or triple trailer must successfully complete a test of his or her knowledge concerning the safe operation of such vehicles.

(b) Drives a passenger vehicle must successfully complete a test of his or her knowledge concerning the safe operation of such vehicles and a test of his or her driving skill in such a vehicle.

(c) Drives a school bus must successfully complete a test of his or her knowledge concerning the safe operation of such vehicles and a test of his or her driving skill in such a vehicle. This subsection shall be implemented in accordance with 49 C.F.R. s. 383.123.

(d) Drives a tank vehicle must successfully complete a test of his or her knowledge concerning the safe operation of such vehicles.

(e) Drives a vehicle that transports hazardous materials and that is required to be placarded in accordance with 49 C.F.R. part 172, subpart F, must successfully complete a test of his or her knowledge concerning the safe operation of such vehicles. Knowledge tests for hazardous-materials endorsements may not be administered orally for individuals applying for an initial hazardous-materials endorsement after June 30, 1994.

(f) Operates a tank vehicle transporting hazardous materials must successfully complete the tests required in paragraphs (d) and (e) so that the department may issue a single endorsement permitting him or her to operate such tank vehicle.

(g) Drives a motorcycle must successfully complete a test of his or her knowledge concerning the safe operation of such vehicles and a test of his or her driving skills on such vehicle. A person who successfully completes such tests shall be issued an endorsement if he or she is licensed to drive another type of motor vehicle. A person who successfully completes such tests and who is not licensed to drive another type of motor vehicle shall be issued a Class E driver license that is clearly restricted to motorcycle use only.

(2) Before driving or operating any vehicle listed in subsection (1), a person must obtain an endorsement on his or her driver license. An endorsement under paragraph (a), paragraph (b), paragraph (c), paragraph (d), paragraph (e), or paragraph (f) of subsection (1) shall be issued only to persons who possess a valid Class A, valid Class B, or valid Class C driver license.

(3)(a) A person who is not a resident of this state and who possesses a valid driver license issued by another jurisdiction may drive a motor vehicle within this state; however, any nonresident who drives a commercial motor vehicle within this state must possess a valid commercial driver license with proper endorsements issued in substantial compliance with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.

(b) The department shall enter into agreements with other jurisdictions to implement and administer this subsection.

(4)(a) As used in this subsection, the term “servicemember” means a member of any branch of the United States military or military reserves, the United States Coast Guard or its reserves, the Florida National Guard, or the Florida Air National Guard.

(b) The department shall waive the requirement to pass the Commercial Driver License Skills Tests for servicemembers and veterans if:

1. The applicant has been honorably discharged from military service within 1 year of the application, if the applicant is a veteran;

2. The applicant is trained as an MOS 88M Army Motor Transport Operator or similar military job specialty;

3. The applicant has received training to operate large trucks in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and

4. The applicant has at least 2 years of experience in the military driving vehicles that would require a commercial driver license to operate.

(c) An applicant must complete every other requirement for a commercial driver license within 1 year of receiving a waiver under paragraph (b) or the waiver is invalid.

(d) The department shall adopt rules to administer this subsection.

(5)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), any person who operates a commercial motor vehicle and who does not possess a valid commercial driver license authorizing such operation is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(b) Any person whose commercial driver license has been expired for a period of 30 days or less and who drives a commercial motor vehicle within this state, is guilty of a nonmoving violation, punishable as provided in s. 318.18.