TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a sweeping policy shift aimed at standardizing road safety and communication, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced Friday that all driver’s license examinations will be administered exclusively in English beginning February 6, 2026.
The directive, which applies to all license classifications statewide, marks the end of a long-standing practice of offering exams in languages such as Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. Moving forward, both the written knowledge exams and the practical skills tests—commonly known as the “road test”—must be completed in English without an interpreter.
A Significant Policy Pivot
For years, Florida has been one of the most linguistically diverse states in the country, accommodating its large immigrant and international populations by offering the Class E knowledge exam in up to six languages. Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicants were previously permitted to take exams in English or Spanish.
Under the new guidelines, those options will vanish. The FLHSMV confirmed that it has already begun updating its digital testing systems and removing all printed examinations in languages other than English from service centers across the state’s 67 counties.
“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 agency stated in an official press release.
Safety and Security at the Forefront
The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of road safety and drivers’ ability to understand English-language traffic signs and law enforcement instructions. State officials pointed to the need for drivers to be able to read and interpret real-time warnings on the road—such as construction alerts, detour signs, and emergency electronic displays—which are almost exclusively displayed in English.
Proponents of the change argue that the move ensures that every driver on the road has the foundational language skills needed to navigate American infrastructure safely. The shift also follows recent legislative discussions about stricter enforcement for commercial drivers, sparked by high-profile accidents involving non-English-speaking operators who reportedly struggled to understand basic road signs.
Immediate Impact on Applicants
The new rule is expected to have an immediate impact on thousands of Floridians. For many non-native speakers, the Class E Knowledge Exam—a 50-question test on traffic laws and road signs—served as the primary hurdle to obtaining a learner’s permit. To pass, applicants must score at least 80%.
With the elimination of translation services, the state has also barred the use of third-party interpreters during testing. Previously, some counties allowed applicants to bring an interpreter for oral exams if a written version was not available in their native tongue. Starting February 6, this practice will be prohibited.
Public and Political Reaction
The announcement has already sparked a polarized response across the Sunshine State. In South Florida, home to a massive Spanish-speaking population, some community advocates expressed concern that the policy could create significant barriers for law-abiding residents trying to get to work or transport their families.
“This is going to create a massive backlog and potentially drive people to operate vehicles without a license if they cannot pass a technical exam in a second language,” said one local advocate in Miami.
Conversely, some political figures have suggested the policy should go even further. Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback expressed support for the measure on social media, suggesting that the state should review previously issued licenses for those who did not take the test in English.
Implementation Timeline
The FLHSMV has spent the early weeks of 2026 technicalizing the transition. All DMV offices and authorized third-party administrators must comply with the English-only mandate by February 6.
Applicants who currently have appointments scheduled in other languages after that date will likely be required to retake the exam in English or reschedule. The official Florida Driver License Handbook is available in multiple languages for study, but the state emphasizes that the actual evaluation will not offer the same flexibility.
As the February deadline approaches, the state is urging all prospective drivers to utilize the official English-language study materials provided on the FLHSMV website to ensure they are prepared for the new testing environment.
Sources and Links
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV): Official Press Release – January 30, 2026
- WUSF News: Florida’s driver license exams will be given in English only
- CBS News Miami: Florida mandates driver’s license tests must be taken in English
- WFTV 9 Orlando: Florida to require driver’s license exams to be given in English only
- WPLG Local 10: All driver’s license tests to be administered solely in English in Florida
Disclaimer
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure & Legal Disclaimer
AI Content Policy.
To provide our readers with timely and comprehensive coverage, South Florida Reporter uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in producing certain articles and visual content.
Articles: AI may be used to assist in research, structural drafting, or data analysis. All AI-assisted text is reviewed and edited by our team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our editorial standards.
Images: Any imagery generated or significantly altered by AI is clearly marked with a disclaimer or watermark to distinguish it from traditional photography or editorial illustrations.
General Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service. In no event shall South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service.
The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice. The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components.
