Starting Friday, February 6, all written and practical driving tests in Florida will be administered solely in English. This significant change affects all license categories, including oral exams, and eliminates the use of translation services during the testing process.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has announced the implementation of this policy, stating that all exams will now be conducted exclusively in English. This includes the removal of printed exams in languages other than English. The department also confirmed that the statewide testing system has been updated to accommodate this new requirement.
Interpretation or translation services will no longer be permitted during either the theoretical or practical tests. The FLHSMV further explained that printed test materials in other languages will be discontinued.
Previously, most non-commercial license theoretical exams were available in multiple languages. However, the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) theoretical exams were offered only in English and Spanish. With this new policy, all test formats will be administered solely in English.
This decision is framed within the department’s commitment to road safety. The FLHSMV emphasized that the change aims to ensure safety on the roads through clear communication and understanding of traffic laws, as well as responsible driving behavior.
The announcement confirms that this requirement is uniform across the state, with updates to the testing system implemented throughout Florida. It applies to all classes of licenses, with no exceptions noted in the announcement.
Since mid-2025, Florida has introduced a series of restrictive measures impacting immigrants, particularly in the realm of transportation and driver licensing. In April of that year, a federal executive order mandated that all truck drivers in the United States demonstrate English proficiency, raising concerns among southern state transporters.
Many of these drivers, particularly those of Cuban and Latino descent, warned that this rule could create unjustified employment barriers for thousands of experienced workers with limited English skills. Following this, in August 2025, the state intensified its own regulations after a tragic accident on the Florida Turnpike involving an immigrant truck driver without legal status.
This incident triggered a wave of state measures, including converting agricultural stations into immigration checkpoints and requiring English proficiency tests for commercial drivers. Florida's Attorney General argued that so-called "sanctuary states" were compromising road safety by granting licenses to immigrants without proper immigration verification.
Understanding Florida's New Driving Test Requirements
Why did Florida decide to conduct driving tests only in English?
The decision is part of the state's effort to enhance road safety by ensuring clear communication and understanding of traffic laws among all drivers.
What changes have been made to the driving test system in Florida?
All driving tests, both written and practical, will now be administered exclusively in English. This includes the removal of translation services and printed materials in other languages.
How does this policy affect non-commercial and commercial license exams?
Previously, non-commercial license exams were offered in multiple languages, while commercial exams were in English and Spanish. Now, all exams will be in English only.