House debates English requirement for drivers license test.
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House debates English requirement for drivers license test.

Date: February 14, 2012
By: Paige Hornor
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 1186 HB 1147

Intro: 
The Missouri House has begun debating a bill that would require all driving exams to be given only in English.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Currently, would-be drivers can take the test in 12 languages, including English.

But St. Charles Republican Mark Parkinson says this practice lets people get a license, who cannot read traffic signs.

Democratic Representative Genise Montecillo says she is concerened the test will prevent people from getting jobs.

Actuality:  MONTEC.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "I've got a lot of immigrants in my community and they want to be able to get to work and they want to be able to get their drivers license."

Parkinson says requiring people to take the exam in English would increase road safety by ensuring that everyone can read signs.

According to the House Republican floor leader, the bill will be voted on within the next week.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Paige Hornor.