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Should Missouri drivers' license tests be English only?
Posted: 03.09.2011 at 2:22 PM
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JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- English may soon be the only language available for those taking a drivers’ license test in Missouri.

On Tuesday, the Missouri House endorsed legislation to require the tests be given in English, and only English. It would also be available in American Sign Language.

Currently the state offers driver examinations in 12 languages.

Rep. Jerry Nolte, a republican from Gladstone, is sponsoring the bill. He says all drivers need to understand English to be able to read road signs and follow driving laws.

Besides that, Nolte’s bill says interpreters are not allowed.

Here’s a look at the language in the bill:

“This bill requires Missouri driver’s license examinations to only be administered in English so that the applicant can demonstrate his or her ability to sufficiently understand highway traffic signs and safety warnings. The Director of the Department of Revenue cannot supply or permit the use of language interpreters, except sign language interpreters, in connection with the required written and driving tests.”

Opponents say the bill discriminates against new immigrants who haven't mastered the English language.

Some lawmakers say the bill won't stop non-English drivers from driving. They believe they'll still drive, but just do so without a license or insurance.

The bill still needs one more House vote before moving on to the Senate.

Missouri isn’t the first state to consider an English-only drivers’ license test.

This legislative season, Georgia also is in the middle of an English-only debate.

Just last week, the Alabama Supreme Court upheld the state’s practice of offering multiple languages on driver exams.

A lawsuit filed against Governor Bob Riley in 2008 claimed that the use of multiple languages violates the Alabama constitution, and the exam should be given in English only.

In 2010, one of the gubernatorial candidates in Alabama made the issue a large part of his campaign.

In a TV ad, candidate Tim James said “this is Alabama. We speak English."

Should Missouri only offer the test in English?  Let us know what you think.  Leave a comment below or vote in our online poll.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story)

Related Links

Missouri Drivers' License Test
Should Missouri have English-only drivers license tests?

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