Foreign language driving tests a hit

By Kalani Wilhelm
Advertiser Staff Writer

The number of written exams given in foreign languages to obtain a Hawai'i driver's permit has risen steadily since they became available in Honolulu in 2001.

During the first half of this year, 2,056 tests in foreign languages have been administered at the five driver's licensing locations on O'ahu compared with 2,438 during all of last year. In all, 6,000 tests have been taken in Honolulu since 2001.

The tests, which are available in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Samoan, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Tongan, are mainly for experienced drivers licensed to operate vehicles in other countries who are unable to get Hawai'i licenses because of language barriers, said Honolulu Chief Examiner Alan Miyamura.

The number of tests taken in Japanese shot up from 496 last year to 886 through June.

The written test, which enables a person to hold a learner's permit, is the first step to getting a driver's license. After passing the written exam, satisfactory performance on a road test is required before a Hawai'i state driver's license is issued.

Most people moving here from another country have a difficult time understanding or can't read English, Miyamura said.

Miyamura said the Honolulu Customer Services department is pleased that people are taking advantage of the service. He also said individuals who take the test in a foreign language should have a "reasonable understanding of the English language," and be able to identify highway construction and route direction signs displayed only in English.

"Ninety percent of street signs are in symbolic language; our only concern is the other types of signs," Miyamura said.

Miyamura said the City and County of Honolulu paid for the translations and offered them to the other counties.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano vetoed a 2001 bill that would have made the state responsible for paying for the tests. If more versions are offered in the future, Miyamura said he hopes the state will pay for them.