Florida is changing its policy so that all driver’s license tests are only given in English. State officials say this will make the roads safer and make sure that everyone understands the traffic laws the same way.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) said that starting on Friday, February 6, all driver’s license tests, both commercial and non-commercial, will only be given in English. The new rule will also apply to oral tests, and it will no longer be possible to use interpreters or translation services during tests.
The department said in a statement, “Starting Friday, February 6th, all driver license knowledge and skills tests will only be given in English.” “This change affects all types of driver’s licenses, even those that are given orally.”
Before, knowledge tests for most non-commercial licenses were available in more than one language. However, commercial driver’s license (CDL) and learner’s permit tests were only available in English and Spanish. All tests, including written, oral, and skills-based ones, will now be given only in English.
The department said that all of its testing systems across the state have been changed to get rid of non-English materials and stop translation services. The release went on to say, “Language translation services will no longer be allowed for knowledge or skills tests, and any printed tests in languages other than English will be taken away.”
FLHSMV stressed that clear communication and a consistent understanding of traffic laws are essential for keeping roads safe when explaining why the change was made.
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The statement said, “FLHSMV is still committed to making sure that all Floridians and visitors can drive safely by encouraging clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.”
Starting on Friday, February 6th, all tests of knowledge and skills for getting a driver’s license will only be given in English.
Governor Ron DeSantis praised the decision on X, saying it was “common sense.” DeSantis wrote, “Good reform by @FLHSMV to require driver exams to be done only in English.” “Must be able to read the signs!”
National transportation safety advocates have also strongly supported the policy. These groups have long said that all licensed drivers, especially commercial truck drivers, need to be able to speak and understand English.
James Lamb, who is in charge of the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC), said that Florida’s reform was a long-overdue step toward making sure that federal safety rules are followed. Lamb said, “For four years, the SBTC has worked hard to get public policies across the country that would make states test for English language proficiency in order to follow Federal Regulations that have been in place since 1937 under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2).” “We have repeatedly pointed to the 2002 DOT Inspector General’s CDL Standards Audit report as the main reason to do so.”
Lamb also thanked the Trump administration for bringing back enforcement measures that were linked to truckers’ ability to speak English. He said, “We have also asked that truckers who are not following the ELP rule be taken off the road. This policy went back into effect on June 26, 2025, by order of President Trump.”
Lamb said that the new state-level action fits in with larger federal efforts to make licensing standards stronger. “Our hard work led to the introduction of Connor’s Law, which was introduced last year in the House by Rep. Taylor and the Senate by Senator Lummis. There are also other bills that would change the law to protect who is qualified to drive a truck and who must be taken off the road when they are not,” he said. “And now, the main point of Connor’s Law is about to pass in the Transportation bill of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which is one of six bills in that package.”
He also said that the move is “common sense” policy that other states should follow. Lamb said, “The best way for a state to test a trucker’s English skills is to give them the CDL knowledge and skills tests in English.” “At least in Florida, common sense will win out starting on February 6th.” We hope that other states will do the same.
The Sunshine State is the first state in years to officially get rid of multilingual testing for all types of driver’s licenses. Supporters say this could lead to a national trend toward English-only standards.
