NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Assembly this week passed legislation by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, 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.
“Understanding roadway signage and traffic laws is a fundamental requirement for safely driving in our state,” said Capley. “This legislation ensures that those granted the privilege of driving here have a basic command of the English language, strengthening fairness, accountability and public safety. Setting clear and consistent standards will protect Tennessee families and improve our roads for everyone.”
House Bill 1708 would permit a one-time, limited exception that would allow an applicant to take the written driver’s license exam in a language other than English. This license would be valid for three years. Applicants would be required to retake the exam in English after the limited license expires, without 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 have made it possible for some illegal aliens to register vehicles without driver’s licenses.
House Bill 1708 strengthens this process by requiring proof that 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, a temporary Tennessee driver’s license or a photo ID.
The proposal is part of a major immigration reform package announced by Tennessee Republicans in collaboration with the Trump administration earlier this year. 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.