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HB0556 • 2026

Driver Licenses

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 50, Part 3, relative to examinations for driver licenses.

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor
Capley, Watson
Last action
2025-03-18
Official status
Failed in s/c Transportation Subcommittee of Transportation Committee
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific details on how the bill affects those who don't speak English well.

Driver License Exams Must Be in English

This bill requires all written driver license exams to be given only in English and does not allow any help from dictionaries or interpreters.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires all written tests for getting a driver's license to be in English only.
  • Doesn't let people use translation tools, electronic devices, or interpreters during the test.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who want to get a driver’s license in Tennessee
  • Driver Services in Tennessee

Terms To Know

Translation dictionary
A book or app that helps translate words from one language to another.
Electronic device
Any gadget like a phone, tablet, or computer.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill did not pass and was stopped in the Transportation Subcommittee.
  • It is unclear how this change will affect people who do not speak English well.

Bill History

  1. 2025-03-19 Tennessee General Assembly

    Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Transportation and Safety Committee

  2. 2025-03-18 Tennessee General Assembly

    Failed in s/c Transportation Subcommittee of Transportation Committee

  3. 2025-03-12 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on s/c cal Transportation Subcommittee for 3/18/2025

  4. 2025-03-12 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 3/19/2025

  5. 2025-03-11 Tennessee General Assembly

    Action Def. in s/c Transportation Subcommittee to 3/18/2025

  6. 2025-03-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on s/c cal Transportation Subcommittee for 3/11/2025

  7. 2025-02-12 Tennessee General Assembly

    Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Transportation and Safety Committee

  8. 2025-02-11 Tennessee General Assembly

    Sponsor(s) Added.

  9. 2025-02-10 Tennessee General Assembly

    Introduced, Passed on First Consideration

  10. 2025-02-06 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

  11. 2025-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    Assigned to s/c Transportation Subcommittee

  12. 2025-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    P2C, ref. to Transportation Committee

  13. 2025-02-03 Tennessee General Assembly

    Intro., P1C.

  14. 2025-01-29 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
SENATE BILL 1373
By Watson

HOUSE BILL 556
By Capley

HB0556
000392
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55,
Chapter 50, Part 3, relative to examinations for
driver licenses.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-50-322, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection (k) and redesignating the existing subsection (k) as
subsection (l):
(k) All written examinations administered to applicants for a driver license or
intermediate driver license must be in English only. An applicant shall not use a
translation dictionary, an electronic device, or an interpreter to assist with the
administration of the examination.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect July 1, 2025, the public welfare requiring it.