Shoonra wrote - "You mentioned a "Supreme Court" case. The Supreme Court has repeatedly said that states have the authority - and duty - to require licenses of all drivers (no exception for "noncommercial" ones) to promote public safety."
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The term DRIVER applies to someone who is getting or AUTHORIZED to get compensation to go from Point A to Point B. "DRIVING" is a privilege because it's a BUSINESS activity. The LICENSE is evidence of the State's PERMISSION to engaged in the REGULATED COMMERCIAL activity by someone identified by the term "DRIVER", as in cab DRIVER, tow truck DRIVER, UPS DRIVER, cattle DRIVER, stage coach DRIVER. The terms "NONcommercial driver license" is a "
legal term of art" because a LICENSE is for BUSINESS purposes. The terms in the VC are used to identify commercial activity ie: TRAFFIC, PASSENGER, TRANSPORTATION. The term DRIVER identifies the privilege holder. The privilege holder has requested the State's permission to engage in commerce. The State doesn't care if the privilege holder earns any money as long as they pay the fees when they come due. Whether you charge a fee to carry someone or something is up to you, the fact remains that you've been GRANTED the State's permission to charge a fee and you've agreed that the TERMS and conditions in the Vehicle Code are applicable to you.
DRIVER. One employed...
Bouvier’s Law Dictionary, 1856
DRIVER-- one employed in conducting a coach, carriage, wagon, or other vehicle..."
BOUVIER'S LAW DICTIONARY, (1914)p. 940.
DRIVER. One employed...
Black’s Law Dictionary, 4th Ed, 1951