English-Only Driver's License Exams Move Forward In Senate

[The Northerner]

(Jefferson City, MO) -- It's already cleared the House, but a bill forbidding the Missouri driver's license exam to be administered in any language other than English has less than four weeks to get through the Senate.

The controversial legislation had its first hearing in the Senate on Tuesday.

If passed, it would prohibit the exam from being printed in a foreign language as well as prohibit interpreters from aiding in the exam except for when it is administered in sign language.

Supporters of the legislation say not being able to interpret road signs poses a public safety threat, but opponents at the hearing pointed out that the signs pictured on the written test are all in English, only the answers are in a foreign language.

Opponents also say the bill discriminates against legal non-English-speaking residents. International Driving Permits, which allow foreign tourists to drive using a license from their home countries, will be unaffected.

Source: http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=441117

[MineralMan]

1. Many bills are introduced. Few become law.

This is a moronic bill, since people will drive, licensed or not. Witness all the drunks with suspended licenses who are on the road every day.

[itsrobert]

2. I was able to drive in Greece, Germany, Belguim, France,

Luxemburg, Italy, Uganda, Norway, and other countries without knowing the language.

[Lance_Boyle]

3. But could you get a drivers license in any of those countries?

I can go rent a car in Germany and drive today, but obtaining a license is a different matter.

[itsrobert]

4. Just had to take a written test at the military base

And was issued a license to legally drive in those countries. Even was able to drive a full 44 PAX bus through the narrow streets of an Italian Village.