Why Tennessee lawmakers want to make driver's license test English-only

A companion bill currently moving through the Tennessee General Assembly could potentially impose several obstacles on non-English-speaking Tennessee drivers, as it aims to make the state's driving exam English-only.

At its essence, SB1889/HB1708 urges non-English speakers to learn the language in order to procure a driver's license. Reasons differ amongst senators and representatives, as Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, the sponsor of SB1889, articulated that one of the bill's missions was for immigrants to learn English and "embrace being American," according to previous Tennessean reporting.

Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, an advocate for HB1708, cited "protecting Tennesseans" as a reason for the legislation claiming that non-English-speaking drivers create hazardous road conditions. Aside from the reasons voiced by lawmakers, if passed, the bill would add several steps for non-English-speaking drivers in Tennessee; the main one being that they'd have to learn English.

What are the current driving laws for non-English speakers in Tennessee?

Aside from English, Tennessee currently offers written driver's license tests in Spanish, Korean, German, and Japanese. Test takers are also permitted to bring a translation dictionary should they need one, but an interpreter is not allowed. Physical driving tests are only offered in English.

Currently, the only three states that do not offer written driver's test in languages other than English are Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming, according to The Guardian. The most recent state to implicate this rule was Florida, who passed their legislation in February. States with similar laws to Florida, Alaska, Wyoming, and potentially Tennessee include Oklahoma and South Dakota.

What stands to change if the bill passes?

Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, walks to the Senate chamber before the first day of the Tennessee legislative session at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

SB1889/HB1708 seeks to prohibit the use of translation tools, interpreters, and digital devices during written driver's exams, as well as remove the option to take it in another language. The only way a non-English-speaking driver can take the test in a different language is if they present a written statement from a physician that indicates the applicant has a hearing impairment.

Non-English speakers are allowed to take the written exam once in another language, but the license they receive is a restricted non-renewable, one-year license that only permits travel to work, school, and medical appointments. Once the year is up, drivers will be mandated to take the test in English with no translators, dictionaries, or electronic devices. All that being so, non-English-speaking drivers have a year to learn English so they can receive a fully authorized official state driver's license.

The bill also notes that county clerks and the Department of Revenue won't be able to process vehicle registrations or renewals unless one has proof of US citizenship, lawful permanent residency, and federally authorized temporary presence.

What are the current acceptable forms for registrations and renewals in Tennessee?

According to the Department of Revenue, the current forms that qualify an applicant for vehicle registrations and renewals are the following:

• Photo driver license (U.S. or other country*), photo ID card or photo learner permit
• Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Military identification (ID card, discharge papers, Military Dependent ID card)
• Passport (not expired)
• Immigration and U.S. Customs Enforcement documentation
• Marriage certificate
• Adoptive decree
• Legal change of name
• Any other evidence that confirms to the satisfaction of the Department of Revenue the true identity of the applicant

If an applicant is unable to produce one of those forms, they can also provide two of the following:

• Computerized check stub (with full name)
• Union membership cards (with full name)
• Work IDs (preferably with photo)
• Financial institution documents
• Social Security Social Security documents (original SSN Card, benefits statements, etc.)
• Health insurance card
• IRS/state tax form
• Military records (assignment orders, Leave & Earnings Statement, etc.)

Japan consulate warns that legislation could impact foreign investment

A conceptual rendering for a new building DENSO plans to relocate its Wilson County operation to.

Japan Consul General Watanabe Shinji made Tennessee lawmakers aware of how the bill could impact the perception of foreign investors, including Japan, who has $21 billion worth of investments in Tennessee and has produced 60,000 jobs across the state, The Tennessean previously reported.

"I am concerned that the changes proposed in SB 1889/HB1708, restricting the license's functionality and lessening the benefits enjoyed by so many, could be perceived negatively by Japanese investors," Watanabe wrote in a letter to lawmakers. "And that future investments might suffer."

“I have a lot of concerns that we are sending out the wrong message to some of these multi-billion dollar foreign investors that maybe they aren’t welcome in Tennessee,” said Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville. “And that’s very concerning.”

Foreign corporations that have significantly boosted Tennessee's economy include LG, Volkswagen, Denso and Nissan.