Florida to administer all state driver license exams in English only
All Florida driver license exams will soon be only available in English, the state announced Friday.
Beginning Feb. 6, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said.
The change applies to all driver license classifications and oral exams.
The state had previously offered exams for most non-commercial driver’s licenses in multiple languages, with commercial learner’s permit and commercial driver license exams only available in English and Spanish.
The department said they’ve updated the driver license testing system statewide to implemet the change and said language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills exams.
Printed exams in languages other than English will also be removed.
“FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior,” the department said in a statement.
The move comes after a deadly August 2025 crash on the Florida’s Turnpike involving a tractor-trailer driver who’s a native of India drew national attention.
Following the crash, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said California, Washington and New Mexico would lose federal money if they did not enforce English-language proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers.
