Capley Proposes English-Only Driver Exams, Tighter Vehicle Registration Rules

State Rep. Kip Capley of Summertown has proposed legislation aimed at improving road safety by requiring written driver’s license exams to be administered in English and tightening vehicle registration rules.

House Bill 1708 allows a one-time, limited exception for applicants to take the exam in another language. That license is valid for one year for travel to and from school, work, or medical appointments, after which applicants must retake the exam in English without translation aids, and without using dictionaries, electronic devices, or interpreters.

The bill also requires applicants to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or federally authorized presence when registering a vehicle. Acceptable identification includes a valid Tennessee driver’s license or temporary photo ID.

Capley says the legislation is intended to ensure drivers understand road signs, follow state laws, and are properly licensed and insured. He describes the proposal as a way to promote transparency and make Tennessee roads safer for all families.

Current rules allow secondary documents such as check stubs, work IDs, bank statements, or Social Security records to register a vehicle, which has allowed some unlicensed individuals to register cars. House Bill 1708 strengthens the process by requiring primary proof of lawful status.

The proposal is part of the Immigration 2026 package, a Tennessee Republican initiative developed with the Trump administration. The package aims to close enforcement gaps, protect taxpayers, and require active enforcement of immigration laws across the state.

Capley represents District 71, which includes Wayne County and parts of Hardin, Lawrence, and Maury counties.