Tennessee: Committee OKs English-only driver's license test

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

NASHVILLE _ Senate Transportation Committee members today approved a bill requiring that state driver's licenses be administered only in English.

But first they adopted a compromise amendment aimed at soothing concerns from Volkswagen and other businesses.

The measure, which passed 8-1, originally required the written portion of the exam be given in English only but now requires all portions of the exam to be administered in English.

However, the amendment also creates major exceptions for persons legally authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to be in the country for a "specific purpose, including, but not limited to, investing, overseeing investment, providing needed services to companies ... in Tennessee."