Bill seeks English-only driver's exams

One Ohio lawmaker recently proposed legislation that would require all statewide driver's exams to be exclusively in English. Proposed by state Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, House Bill 753, if approved would require the registrar of motor vehicles — who oversees the state's Bureau of Motor Vehicles — must distribute all driver's exams in English in order "to increase safety on Ohio roadways by ensuring that all drivers fully understand traffic laws and the information necessary to operate a vehicle responsibly and legally," according to a news release from Schmidt's office. "It's important that Ohio drivers understand English so they can understand traffic laws, read road signs and effectively interact with law enforcement," Schmidt said. Additionally, the proposed legislation would prohibit the use of translators, translation dictionaries, electronic devices or interpreters during these examinations, except when necessary, to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. As of today, those seeking a driver's license in Ohio can request an alternative language on their tests. Other languages presently allowed, in both text and audio, are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Russian, Somali and Spanish. American Sign Language is also available in text and video. To receive a standard driver's license in Ohio, applicants must take a: • Vision test, which evaluates the individual's ability to see clearly while driving • Knowledge test to obtain a temporary instruction permit identification card; "The knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions about motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs. Applicants must answer 75% of the questions correctly to pass." • Road test, which includes aspects of driving and maneuverability; House Bill 753 was introduced to the Ohio House on March 11 and was subsequently referred to the transportation committee on March 18. It is not yet known when another hearing for this bill will be scheduled. Similar laws currently in effect If approved, then Ohio would be the second state, alongside Florida, to require that all driver's exams be in English. On Jan. 30, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that starting Feb. 6, all driver's license knowledge and skills tests will be given only in English. This change applies to all driver license types, including tests given orally, according to a news release from the state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Before Florida introduced this new requirement, knowledge exams for most non-commercial driver license classifications were available in multiple languages. However, the Commercial Learner's Permit and Commercial Driver License knowledge exams were only offered in English and Spanish. With the new policy, all driver's license knowledge and skills tests will now be conducted exclusively in English, the release states.