SB 1889

The Uniform Classified and Commercial Driver License Act of 1988 requires the department of safety to examine every applicant for a driver license, intermediate driver license, learner permit, temporary driver license, temporary learner permit, and temporary intermediate driver license. Such examination may include a written examination. WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS If an applicant for a driver license or intermediate driver license is unable to speak and read in English, then this bill authorizes the written examination required for licensure to be administered in a language other than English. However, if the exa mination is provided in a language other than English, then any issued license must be restricted, non-renewable, and valid only for one year. Additionally, such restricted license is only valid for the limited purpose of driving to and from work, medica l appointments, or an educational institution. Once such restricted license has expired, this bill requires the applicant to retake and pass the written examination in English without using a translation dictionary, electronic device, or interpreter to complete the re-examination. This bill clarifies that the provisions above do not apply to an applicant who is unable to speak the English language sufficiently due to a hearing impairment, but is otherwise capable of reading and writing in the English language. REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION Present law requires any motor vehicle operating on the streets or highways of this state to be registered. This bill prohibits the commissioner of revenue or a county clerk from processing an initial issuance or renewal registration of a motor vehicle until the application provides documentation that the applicant is (i) a citizen of the United States, (ii) a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or (iii) a person whose temporary presence has been authorized by the federal government. A Tenn es see driver license, Tennessee temporary driver license, Tennessee photo identification license, or Tennessee temporary photo identification license satisfies this documentation requirement. Providing electronic images of such licenses on a cellphone or other portable device is accept able. This bill also requires every registration or renewal of registration to be accompanied with a notice, as described in the bill, that the owner or operator is required to be a United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or temporary lawful resident.