No English Required for DMV Testing

The California Department of Motor Vehicles prints drivers’ handbooks in five languages, the written test in 31 (“DMV Tries to Remove Clients’ Linguistic Roadblocks,” Aug. 21). It even provides driving-test examiners’ pamphlets that list key phrases and words in eight languages. And, if a crucial phrase is not in the pamphlet, they rely on gestures or even stopping the car to draw a picture to express an instruction. Why?

Forgetting the extra expense involved, these activities are dangerous to other drivers. Do we want these people driving our freeways at 65 mph? When emergency instructions are flashed on--regarding road repairs, lane closures or accidents ahead--how can these drivers be expected to understand these warnings? The DMV is wrong in allowing these drivers on our roads, and these foreign-language tests should be eliminated for everyone’s safety.

H.E. “Bud” Shasteen

Laguna Niguel