Rep. Capley proposes English-only driver exams, enhanced car registration requirements
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, has proposed legislation to improve safety on Tennessee roads by strengthening driver’s license exam and vehicle registration requirements.
House Bill 1708 would require written driver’s license exams to be administered in English, with a one-time limited exception. The proposal would also require applicants for vehicle registrations to provide proof of citizenship or lawful status in the United States.
“Tennesseans expect driving standards that uphold fairness, integrity and public safety,” said Capley. “This common-sense proposal will protect families across our state by ensuring drivers understand road signs, know our laws, and are properly licensed and insured. Requiring a basic level of English proficiency and adequate documentation for vehicle registrations promotes transparency and makes our roads safer for everyone.”
House Bill 1708 would permit a one-time, limited exception allowing an applicant to take the written driver’s license exam in a language other than English. This license would be valid for one year and granted for the purposes of travelling to and from an educational institution, a regular place of employment or medical appointments. Applicants would be required to retake the exam in English after the limited license expires, with no translation dictionaries, electronic devices or interpreters.
Current acceptable documentation to register a vehicle in Tennessee includes any two of the following secondary proofs of identification: a check stub, union membership card, work ID, bank document, Social Security document, health insurance card, IRS/state tax form, or military record. These identification requirements made it possible for some illegal aliens to register vehicles without driver’s licenses.
House Bill 1708 strengthens this process by requiring proof an applicant is a citizen of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or someone whose presence in the U.S. has been authorized by the federal government for a specific purpose and period. Acceptable forms of ID would include a valid Tennessee driver’s license or a temporary Tennessee driver’s license or photo ID.
The proposal is part of a major immigration reform package announced by Tennessee Republicans in collaboration with the Trump administration earlier this month. The Immigration 2026 legislative package aims to close enforcement gaps, protect Tennessee taxpayers and require active enforcement of immigration laws across the state.
State Rep. Kip Capley represents District 71 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes Wayne and part of Hardin, Lawrence and Maury counties.
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