An Act to allow an applicant to have an interpreter present during the written and driving portions driving portion of a driver license exam.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That § 32-12-126 be AMENDED:

32-12-126. For noncommercial driver licenses and permits, the Department of Public Safety shall:

(1) Provide the applications in Spanish and English;

(2) Provide the examination materials in Spanish and English; and

(3) Allow an applicant to take the written knowledge test in Spanish or English; and

(4) Allow an applicant who is a native speaker of any language other than English to bring an interpreter to translate the written knowledge exam while the applicant is testing, provided the applicant is solely responsible for recruiting the interpreter and paying the interpreter's fees.

Any instructions given to the applicant during the driving test must be administered in English. An applicant who is a native speaker of any language other than English may bring an interpreter along during the driving test, provided the interpreter is approved by the department and the applicant is solely responsible for recruiting the interpreter and paying the interpreter's fees.