Kurdish residents in Moorhead, Minnesota can now take the written test for a driver’s license in both the Sorani and Kurmanji dialects of Kurdish. This change comes as a significant relief for member of the Kurdish community, who have faced challenges in obtaining permits due to the written exams being available only in English.

Minnesota State Senator Rob Kupec commended the Moorhead Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for its implementation of a new law designed to enhance accessibility for non-English speaking drivers. This law allows written driver’s license tests to be conducted in multiple languages and permits the presence of interpreters, ensuring that new U.S. residents can navigate the licensing process more easily.

“We want the drivers on our roads to be safe and qualified as they go about their lives, and drivers can prove this by taking and passing the tests necessary to get their license,” said Senator Kupec in a statement sent to Kurdistan Chronicle. “Now, we are making it easier for new Minnesotans to take these tests by providing language services that will help meet the needs of our diverse community.”

Passed earlier this year, the law mandates that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety provide equivalent testing materials free of charge in non-English languages that are spoken by at least 20% of the total number of transactions or office visits at DMV locations. This initiative is particularly beneficial for communities with large immigrant populations, facilitating access to the tests required for obtaining a driver’s license.

Jihan Brifki, a Kurdish activist and advocate for the community, expressed relief at the change. “The community has faced challenges in obtaining permits due to the written exams being available only in English,” she explained.

Jihan took the initiative to meet with Senator Kupec to discuss these issues, leading to a swift resolution. “Thanks to his diligent work, the matter was resolved in less than a month,” Jihan remarked. With the new provisions in place, interpreters are available at local DMV stations to assist those who may struggle with reading or writing in English.

Minnesota is home to a large Kurdish population, with approximately 4,000 to 5,000 residents in Moorhead. Jihan noted that the city is a welcoming community that continues to attract new Kurdish residents.

For Jihan and other Kurds in the state, this development represents a significant milestone. “It is unlikely that there is another state in the United States where individuals can take the driving test in the Kurdish language,” she noted. “It underscores the importance of advocating for our community’s needs. We hope to see more achievements like this in the future.”

This new law not only enhances accessibility, but also strengthens the integration of diverse communities into the fabric of Minnesota, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to participate fully in society.