(a) No person may drive a commercial motor vehicle on the highways of this state unless the person holds a commercial driver’s license issued by this state or another state, with applicable endorsements valid for the vehicle he is driving.

      (b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to (1) the holder of a commercial driver’s instruction permit when accompanied in the vehicle by the holder of a commercial driver’s license, (2) any military personnel who operate commercial motor vehicles solely in connection with their military duties, in accordance with 49 CFR 383.3(c), or (3) any member of the Connecticut National Guard who is qualified to operate a military or commercial motor vehicle in accordance with 49 CFR 383.3(c) and operates such vehicle while performing state military duty.

      (c) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall operate a motor vehicle in violation of the classification of the license issued to him, and shall be subject to the penalties provided in subsection (e) of section 14-36a and section 14-44k.