Lawmakers criticized for trying to limit the Missouri driver's license examination to English only

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A bill that passed in the Missouri House of Representatives this week would make a driver's license test about more than safety on the roadways.

The state’s driver’s license examination is currently given in 11 different languages: Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, German and Japanese.

However, the bill, now sent to the Senate, would require the test to be only administered in English without translator or interpreter.

On Tuesday, German native Michael Schomfeld took the test in English at the downtown Kansas City, Missouri location.

He explained, “I think if you're driving in a foreign country, if you can't speak and understand this language, how can you be expected to drive? You can't read the signs then can you?"

The group named Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates has already been vocal about its opposition of the bill. Now, it’s asking members of the public to do the same.

Member Lynda Callon explained why, “The drivers license was never designed to be an English proficiency or English literacy test."

Callon said the measure makes Missouri appear unwelcoming. Plus, she said the bill could leave a huge hole in the state's revenue.

She continued, “They're not hiring mechanics, who aren't buying auto parts, who aren't hiring additional auto mechanics. The automotive industry, it’s an integral part of our economy.”

Callon thinks limiting who can take the driver’s license test would also limit the state’s ability to attract star students from abroad. She said, “It'll affect recruiting. If we [Missouri] want to be a global player, this will affect our ability to recruit the best and brightest from around the world.”

Business owner Michael You remembers taking his first driver's license exam at 21 years old. He explained, “In that time, there was no Chinese. I took it in English."

But, as a Chinese immigrant and new American, there was no greater symbol of U.S. freedom than his new driver’s license.

He said, “This is, uh, what a dream looks like."

You worries new Americans who want to drive but cannot speak English will still get behind the wheel. That would directly oppose the intent of the bill, which lawmakers explain is to promote safety.

The bill passed the House of Representatives Monday by a vote of 91 to 59.