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Tennessee, Missouri advance English-only licensing

With their legislative work for the year rapidly drawing to a close, lawmakers in Tennessee and Missouri continue to pursue efforts to ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their licenses to drive. Meanwhile, an effort in Georgia came up short.

Nine states already limit licensing tests to English only, and another seven states demand English-only testing for commercial drivers. Six states offer their tests in at least 17 languages. California leads the nation with 32 language offerings.

Missouri
Aspiring truck drivers in Missouri already are required to prove they have a firm grasp of the English language to obtain a license to get behind the wheel of a big rig. A bill awaiting consideration on the House floor, HB1231, would apply the same rule for all other drivers who want to be licensed in the state.

Both portions of the driver’s examinations – written test and skill test – would be required to be administered only in English. Currently, it is available in 12 languages.

Applicants’ ability to understand traffic signs and signals written in English also would be required. They would be prohibited from using translators while taking the tests.

Rep. Cynthia Davis, R-O’Fallon, says it’s a change that’s just common sense.

“Everybody who comes to America knows ahead of time that we are an English-speaking country, and they expect to learn our language,” Davis wrote in a newsletter.

Others say it’s a matter of public safety. It will also save the state money.

Opponents point out that the bill doesn’t apply to illiterate Missourians. Driver’s license officials are allowed to assist them with the test.

With the regular session scheduled to wrap up May 14, time is running out.

Tennessee
In Tennessee, a bill would narrow the language options on the state’s driver’s license exam from four to one.

Originally the bill – SB63/HB262 – called for the written portion of the test to be offered solely in English, but it now requires all portions of the exam to be administered in English.

Exceptions would be made for persons legally authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to be in the country for a “specific purpose.”

Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro, clarified that the bill “sends a message” on Tennessee’s preference for English.

Critics say it sends the wrong message to potential foreign investors that could consider doing business in the state.

SB63 is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. If approved there, the bill would move to the House. Tennessee lawmakers are scheduled to finish up for the year May 25.

Senate lawmakers are one vote away from sending to Gov. Phil Bredesen a bill – HB2685– giving private businesses the right to allow only English to be spoken in the workplace. Opponents say it’s unnecessary because federal law already permits businesses to dictate language requirements.

Georgia
Another attempt to limit license testing failed passage in Georgia. Despite passage in both chambers of the statehouse, Georgia lawmakers were unable to agree on wording for a bill before the session wrapped up. The bill – SB67 – sought to make the driver’s exam available only in English to individuals who intend to be permanent residents of the state. Currently, the exam is available in 13 languages.

E ditor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected] .

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