Florida Implements English-Only Driver's License Testing

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has announced that, effective February 6, 2026, all driver's license knowledge and skills tests will be administered exclusively in English. This policy eliminates the use of interpreters and translation services for all examinations, including oral tests. Previously, non-commercial driver license exams were available in multiple languages, while commercial driver tests were limited to English and Spanish.

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This decision aligns with a broader national trend emphasizing English proficiency in transportation safety, particularly following federal scrutiny of language requirements for commercial drivers. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has previously warned states like California, Washington, and New Mexico about potential federal funding losses if they do not enforce English-language proficiency for commercial drivers. This policy shift comes in the wake of a high-profile fatal crash in Florida that raised concerns about the safety implications of non-English speaking drivers.

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Under the new policy, all knowledge and skills testing will be conducted in English, and any printed exams in other languages will be removed from use. The knowledge exam for the learner's permit consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, requiring a score of 80% or higher to pass. The skills test involves practical driving maneuvers.

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The FLHSMV has stated that the updated testing system is already in place statewide. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of enforcing federal safety rules, stating, “States don’t get to pick and choose which federal safety rules to follow... when states fail to enforce the law, they put the driving public in danger.”

Florida Driver’s License Tests Now Only to Be Administered in English

The policy has drawn mixed reactions. Juan Pagan, president of the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern that the rule may reflect an "adversarial approach to assimilation" for immigrants, suggesting it sends a message of exclusion. While acknowledging the necessity for drivers to understand the language of the country, he criticized the implications of the policy for foreign residents.

Florida will start offering driver’s license exams in English only

The implementation of the English-only testing policy is set to take effect on February 6, 2026. This change represents a significant shift in Florida's approach to driver education and safety, with potential implications for the state's diverse population and its approach to language inclusivity in public services.

Florida Driver’s License Tests Now Only to Be Administered in English

• “To implement this change, FLHSMV has updated its driver license testing system statewide.” — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Florida Driver’s License Tests Now Only to Be Administered in English

• “It’s a way of saying ‘you don’t belong here,'” — Juan Pagan, President, Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce

Florida will start offering driver’s license exams in English only