By Jackson Hadley
Capital West News
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah State Senate convened Monday morning where they addressed two bills that would alter the requirements for obtaining a driver’s license.
If the regulations are passed, new drivers would need to take an additional test before receiving their license; and driving privilege cards – which are available to undocumented immigrants – would cost more.
HB147, sponsored by Sen. Deidre Henderson, R-Spanish Fork, reinstates the requirement for a written or online driving knowledge test after taking a driver’s education course. Currently, new drivers need to pass an exam to obtain their learner’s permit, but no further testing is required to receive a license. The bill passed unanimously and will go to Gov. Herbert for final approval.
The Senate also unanimously approved SB184, sponsored by Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo. This bill would require applicants for driving privilege cards to undergo a more extensive background check. Driving privilege cards are available to undocumented immigrants who otherwise would not be able to obtain a license. Instead of the current background check which uses data from a few western states, the check would be conducted by the FBI. The additional cost of this process would be passed on to the applicant. SB184 now goes to the House for consideration.
