English Requirement for Driver’s Licenses (H. 4686)

Under this bill, the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles would not be allowed to issue or renew the driver’s license of a person who cannot show proficiency in reading and understanding English.

We oppose this bill because: The state should not place unnecessary barriers to receiving a driver’s license. Having a driver’s license is especially important in South Carolina, where many counties have either limited or no access to public transportation. This bill would unfairly target immigrants, people without a formal education, and people with disabilities.