4/18/08-A bill has died that was intended to ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their license to drive.
Sponsored by Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach, H4353 missed a deadline to advance, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill would have required 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 have applied to people applying for commercial driver’s licenses.
The Department of Motor Vehicles now offers driving tests in German, French and Spanish despite the fact regulations on CDLs requires applicants to be able to understand and to speak the English language.

1/3/08-Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach, has filed a bill for consideration in the upcoming session that is intended to ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their license to drive.
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.
The Department of Motor Vehicles now offers driving tests in German, French and Spanish despite the fact regulations on CDLs requires applicants to be able to understand and to speak the English language.
The bill is in the House Judiciary Committee. A similar effort – S857 – is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
For House bill status, call (803) 212-6200.