Citing Road Safety, NH House Republicans Pass Bill Requiring English Only for Driver’s Tests

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire House has passed HB 461, a measure that requires all driver’s license exams and testing materials to be provided exclusively in English, with an exception for American Sign Language. The legislation, which prohibits the use of translation services or digital tools during testing, is aimed at ensuring that licensed drivers can understand the language used on the state’s roadways.

Rep. Tom Walsh (R-Hooksett), Chair of the House Transportation Committee and prime sponsor of the bill, said the legislation is rooted in public safety and longstanding state policy.

“The New Hampshire Department of Safety has publicly stated that language barriers are one of the three main safety issues on New Hampshire roadways,” Walsh said. “Considering that our road signs, directional signs, and emergency electronic signs are all written in English, it makes sense that anyone with a New Hampshire driver’s license ought to have at least a basic understanding of our language.”

Walsh also pointed to RSA 3-C:1, which establishes English as the official language of the state. “If someone is unable to take a driver’s test without needing translation services,” he said, “then we should seriously consider whether or not they are safe enough to endorse with the New Hampshire license.”

Supporters of the bill argue that it sets a reasonable and uniform standard that reflects the reality of driving in New Hampshire, where all signage and emergency communications are in English. By requiring a basic level of English comprehension, proponents say the law enhances safety not only for the driver but for everyone on the road.

HB 461 would take effect on January 1, 2026. It directs the Department of Safety to administer all exams in English and to retire any non-English testing materials, even if obtained through previous contracts.

Opposition to the bill has come primarily from advocacy organizations and individuals working with immigrant populations. Angela Bovill, President and CEO of Ascentria Care Alliance, testified against the bill, saying it could create barriers for new arrivals still learning English.

Patricia Anastasia of Londonderry also raised concerns. “This bill is harmful to New Hampshire’s diverse population,” she said, warning that it might lead to more unlicensed drivers and fewer employment opportunities for recent immigrants.

However, supporters of HB 461 contend that the state must balance compassion with responsibility. Learning English, they argue, is a reasonable expectation for anyone operating a vehicle on New Hampshire’s roads—especially when that road system is entirely built around English communication. They also note that the bill does not prevent immigrants or refugees from obtaining a license; it simply sets a language standard that matches the rules of the road.

With the bill clearing the House, it now moves to the Senate for consideration. If enacted, New Hampshire would join Wyoming as one of the few states requiring English-only driver testing—a move supporters believe reflects both practical necessity and respect for public safety.