Ohio BMV clarifies process for immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A lot has been said about Springfield, Ohio in recent days as the influx of Haitian immigrants to the area made national news.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said since the immigrants came to Springfield, there has been an increase in traffic incidents and erratic driving. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles said the agency has received a lot of questions over the past few days.

Charlie Norman, the registrar for the Ohio BMV, said people have been asking about the process for immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and how much training is required before getting behind the wheel.

“There is no separate process for immigrants to get driver’s licenses or IDs, or a shortened process," Norman said. "It’s the same documentation and training and testing protocol that anyone who is applying for a driver’s license in Ohio has to undergo."

Whether you are a citizen or immigrant, Norman said you must prove your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, Ohio residence and U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status to get a license or any kind of Ohio ID.

But per Ohio law, anyone 18 and older does not have to go through any kind of driver training. They just need to pass a written knowledge test and a skills and maneuverability test behind the wheel. The written test can be in a different language, but the driving instructor will only speak in English for the in-car test.

"We do not allow language aids or interpreters to be a part of that process. They’re not allowed in the car with you," Norman said. "Individuals who are testing have to be able to understand highway warnings, traffic signs and basic directions given in the English language."

But Norman said driver education is extremely important. That’s why the Ohio Traffic Safety Office has been working with Haitian immigrants in Springfield to teach them the basics of driving.

Judy Converse, the public information officer for the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, said they have offered a couple classes in the Haitian immigrants’ first language.

“From what I understand, both classes were full. There was a demand for people in the community," Converse said. "They wanted to come and learn, they wanted to come and become a safer driver here. We also worked with the BMV to create a video that’s in Haitian Creole that explains the basic steps on how to get a driver’s license in Ohio and kind of what the expectations are for being on the road and what education opportunities are out there."

Norman said he wants to put the rumors about Haitian immigrants having a different or easier process to get a license to rest.

“There is no shortcut to driver's licensing," Norman said. "There is no way around the training and testing requirements. We’ve certainly seen those claims that Haitians do not have to test, Haitians don’t have to provide documentation, none of those things are true."

Converse with the Ohio Traffic Safety Office said because of their work to bring driver education to the immigrants in Springfield, they have now developed a statewide program to help non-English speakers learn safe driving practices.