Editorial: Why should a driver’s license be required for jobs that don’t involve driving?

Sample of California Drivers’ License from the Dept. of Motor Vehicles. (IJ archives)

When Kirsten Bladh was searching for a job in urban planning she was surprised that nearly all the public sector listings she saw required a driver’s license, even though these were largely office work positions and often located in communities that have lots of bike lanes and transit options.

This is not an unusual experience for job seekers in California. Requiring a driver’s license seems to be a standard part of the screening process regardless of whether driving is necessary for the job. Even a bike mobility planning job in one Southern California city insisted that applicants have a license.

The requirement is not only arbitrary, it’s discriminatory.

It unfairly closes off jobs to certain groups, including people with disabilities that prevent them from driving, young adults and low-income individuals who cannot afford a car or insurance, and people who choose not to drive for personal reasons.

Having a driver’s license is irrelevant to a person’s skills and capabilities. If a would-be employee is qualified, can reliably show up to the jobsite and do the work, why should it matter whether they drive?

Bladh, who is now associate director of state policy for Streets for All, decided to turn her frustration into legislation. The group worked with Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, on a bill that would make it illegal under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act for employers to require that applicants have a driver’s license unless the job includes driving.

Senate Bill 1100 is a smart change that has sailed through the Legislature so far with no opposition. That’s good. California should be removing unnecessary barriers to employment.

The requirement for a driver’s license is a particularly pernicious barrier because it can be used as a subtle way to screen candidates for income, race and socioeconomic status. It’s expensive to own a car and pay for auto insurance in California, and proof of vehicle insurance is necessary to take a driver’s test. And if people can’t afford to own a car, there’s less need for them to obtain a license to drive.