Statewide Iowa (RI) — Iowa driver’s license exams will only be given in English if a bill that’s cleared the Iowa House becomes law.
Representative Josh Meggers, a Republican from Grundy Center, says the bill is about consistency and clarity.
People can currently take the test for an Iowa driver’s license in 20 languages in addition to English.
The bill passed on a 58-30 vote.
Democrats like Representative Angel Ramirez of Cedar Rapids say the English-only policy would lead to citizens and legal residents who aren’t fluent in English driving without a license and without insurance.
Representative Adam Zabner, a Democrat from Iowa City, says the bill will have a chilling effect on Iowans who should be able to take the test in their birth language.
Meggers, who is a state trooper, says the policy will make Iowa roads safer.
South Dakota and five other states currently have English-only rules for driver’s license tests.
KIWA Staff Photo
