Jan. 18, 2008 - Attention: South Carolina truckers! Legislation in your statehouse is intended to ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain licenses to drive. Please take time now to share your views on this important topic with your state lawmakers.

State law now allows the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to offer driving tests in German, French and Spanish despite the fact that federal regulations on CDLs require applicants to be able to understand and to speak the English language.

Two bills – S857 and H4353 – would require all state agencies and local governments to “offer all services, publications, printed, audio, and video materials, and tests in an English-only format” unless directed otherwise by federal law or regulation. The requirement would apply to people applying for commercial driver’s licenses.

Another bill – S932 – would apply solely to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Supporters say restrictions are needed to help ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their license to drive. They also point out that federal regulations require CDL applicants to be able to read and speak English sufficiently.

Opponents say there are no studies that suggest English proficiency makes better drivers. Others say there are more pressing issues to address in the state.

With multiple bills drawing consideration at the Capitol this is a great opportunity for you to communicate with your state representative and senator about this issue. For contact information, visit http://www.scstatehouse.net/cgi-bin/zipcodesearch.exe and fill out the ZIP code request.

You can also call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791 and they can pull up the information for you.