GLEN BURNIE, MD – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has significantly expanded the linguistic accessibility of its learner’s permit knowledge test. Now available in 17 languages, including newly added American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Portuguese, Russian, and Tagalog, the MVA aims to more effectively cater to Maryland’s diverse population. This initiative reflects Governor Wes Moore’s administration’s commitment to equitable support for all communities within the state.
U.S. Census data informed the addition of these languages to identify the most spoken languages among Maryland residents. Notably, including ASL through video translation marks a significant step towards inclusivity, ensuring that the deaf and hard-of-hearing community is equally accommodated in the driver’s education process.
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer highlighted the project as a testament to the MVA’s dedication to enhancing customer service to be more inclusive, accessible, and equitable. “This project is a clear example of the MVA’s continual focus on identifying ways customer service can be improved to be more inclusive, accessible, and equitable for residents across our state,” Nizer stated, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to supporting all communities equitably.
The shift towards offering the learner’s permit test in Plain Language was a foundational step in this expansion. Plain Language simplifies communication, making information straightforward to understand. This approach has already shown success, as evidenced by a 15 percent increase in the pass rate among test-takers, according to recent MVA data.
The comprehensive list of languages now includes English (Plain Language), Spanish, French, Nepali, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Yoruba, Tagalog, Amharic, Arabic, Russian, Urdu, Hindi, Farsi, Portuguese, and ASL. This diversity in language options underscores Maryland’s commitment to the safety and understanding of all new drivers and ensures they have a positive testing experience.
Administrator Nizer expressed gratitude towards the MVA staff, the Sapp Family for their pivotal role in converting the driving manual and test into Plain Language, and all who contributed to translating these essential materials. The goal is to equip applicants with the tools and resources to successfully obtain their learner’s permits.
The learner’s permit test, available at MVA branch offices through The Law Test System, features 25 random questions covering a wide range of driving knowledge. Applicants must pass the exam within 20 minutes and score 88% or better. This process highlights the importance of understanding road signage, the rules of the road, and the implications of impaired driving, among other critical driving topics.
For additional information on the available languages and exam preparation resources, individuals are encouraged to visit the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s website.
