GLEN BURNIE – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration recently completed the rollout of nine additional translations of the learner’s permit knowledge test, bringing the total to 17 different languages.

Among the nine new languages offered for the non-commercial test include: American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic (Afro-Asiatic language), Portuguese Russian and Tagalog (Northern Philippines). The MVA used U.S. Census data to determine the top spoken languages in Maryland. The ASL version will use video translation on its digital exam.

The current learner’s permit test was initially translated to plain language, clear, straightforward communication using only as many words as are necessary in an easy-to-read format, which was instrumental in the rollout of the new additional languages. According to recent MVA data, the transition to plain language format has contributed to a 15% increase in the pass rate among those who have taken the learner’s permit test.

The learner’s permit test is now offered in: English, Spanish, French, Nepali, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Yoruba, Tagalog, Amharic, Arabic, Russian, Urdu, Hindi, Farsi, Portuguese and American Sign Language.

To apply for a learner’s permit, an applicant must pass the permit driver’s knowledge test on The Law Test System, a web-based testing system located in MVA branch office locations. The online test consists of 25 random questions that include roadway signage and rules of the road, the dangers and penalties related to impaired operation, specific topics about sharing the road with bicyclists and hands-free driving laws. To pass the exam, the applicant must finish the test within the allotted time of 20 minutes and achieve a test score of 88% or better.