Kansas Helping Immigrants Get Driver’s Licenses In Garden City

AP- Kansas is launching a project to help immigrants get driver’s licenses in Garden City by offering free translators during the driving exams.

Director of Driver’s Licenses Breana Berroth explains how it will work.

The effort comes from an agreement between Kansas driver’s license officials and Kearney County Hospital in Lakin.

Meatpacking plants in Western Kansas have brought a diverse population to the region. The tests can currently be taken in just English and Spanish.

Starting June 21 free translators will be offered when people take the written and behind-the-wheel exams in Garden City. Translators will help take tests in Somali, Arabic, Sudanese, Burmese, Swahili, Filipino and Ethiopian.

Berroth on the reason for the program.

The translators are volunteers so the project won’t cost the state any money. The state believes it will help bolster safe driving. Those interested in the program should contact the Kearney County Hospital.