The Yoruba language was added based on latest data from the United States Census data which shows that Yorùbá was one of the largest non English languages spoken in the state.
This means that starting this September, Maryland residents will be able to take their learner’s permit in the Yoruba language.
The announcement is part of several new initiatives around the state to reflect its growing and diverse population.
BALTIMORE — Maryland’s learner’s permit knowledge test, and its study materials, will soon be offered in nine more languages, bringing the total for each to 17 languages.
Getting a learner’s permit is the first step to getting a driver’s license in the state.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration said it is expanding accessibility services as part of Gov. Wes Moore’s focus on equity and access.
Here are the new languages offered:
- Yoruba (West Africa)
- Tagalog
- Amharic (Afro-Asiatic language)
- Arabic
- Russian
- Urdu
- Hindi
- Farsi
- Portuguese
- American Sign Language
The new language offerings were determined with U.S. Census data.
“Improving accessibility for the driver’s knowledge test and study materials is critical to serve Maryland’s linguistically diverse population,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer.
The current languages offered include English, Spanish, French, Nepali, Korean, traditional Chinese and Vietnamese.
