In an effort to enhance road safety across Tennessee, State Representative Kip Capley, a Republican from Summertown, has introduced a new piece of legislation that would require all driver’s license examinations to be conducted exclusively in English. This proposal, known as House Bill 0556, stipulates that the written portion of the driving test must be administered in English only, prohibiting the use of dictionaries, electronic devices, or interpreters during the examination process.
Capley emphasized the importance of this legislation by stating, “This bill ensures that every driver on our roads can read, understand, and respond to traffic signs and hazards.” Currently, the state of Tennessee offers the driver’s license exam in five languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and German. In the year 2024, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reported that a total of 551,313 driver exams were conducted. Notably, approximately one-sixth of these exams, totaling 90,396, were administered in languages other than English.
Highlighting the potential dangers associated with language barriers, Capley remarked, “If someone cannot read or understand road signs, they not only risk their safety, but that of all drivers. It’s a safety issue, much like impaired driving.” Representing District 71, which encompasses parts of Wayne, Hardin, Lawrence, and Maury counties, Capley is advocating for this change as a crucial step toward ensuring safer roads for all Tennesseans.