1/8/09-A bill has died in committee that sought to require aspiring truck drivers to have a firm grasp of the English language to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
Since fall 2007, Ohio has allowed the written part of the test to be given in Spanish. Interpreters are allowed to assist applicants who don’t speak English. However, the driving portion of the test is required to be English-only.
Sponsored by Rep. William Batchelder, R-Medina, HB409 would have required the state’s CDL test to be given entirely in English.
The bill can be reintroduced during the 2009 session that opened Monday, Jan. 5.

6/5/08-The House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee voted to advance a bill to the chamber floor that would require aspiring truck drivers to have a firm grasp of the English language to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
Since last fall, Ohio has allowed the written part of the test to be given in Spanish. Interpreters are allowed to assist applicants who don’t speak English. However, the driving portion of the test is required to be English-only.
Sponsored by Rep. William Batchelder, R-Medina, HB409 would require the state’s CDL test to be given entirely in English.
For bill status, call (614) 466-3357. In Ohio, call 1-800-282-0253.

12/13/07-Rep. William Batchelder, R-Medina, has offered a bill that would require the state’s commercial driver’s license test to be given entirely in English.
Since this fall, Ohio has allowed the written part of the test to be given in Spanish. Interpreters are allowed to assist applicants who don’t speak English However, the driving portion of the test is required to be English-only.
HB409 can be brought up during the 2008 regular session that begins Jan. 2.
For House bill status, call (614) 466-3357. In Ohio, call 1-800-282-0253.