The bill H. 5001 proposes an amendment to Section 56-1-130 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which governs the issuance of driver's licenses and the administration of license examinations by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The key change introduced by this bill is that all driver's license examinations must be conducted in English only. This includes the requirement that the department will not provide any interpretation or translation services during the examination process, although it allows for the use of American Sign Language for applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing, as long as the examination content remains in English.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that the Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for examining every applicant for a driver's license, which includes tests of eyesight, understanding of traffic laws, and practical driving demonstrations. The amendment aims to ensure that all applicants demonstrate their ability to operate a vehicle safely and understand the rules of the road in English, reflecting a policy decision to standardize the examination process. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
01/22/2026: 56-1-130
Latest Version: 56-1-130