Florida Driver’s License Test Goes English-Only Starting February 6…
Florida Driver’s License Test Goes English-Only Starting February 6, 2026
By: Michael Elijah Muhammad Clare
Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has announced that beginning Friday, February 6, 2026, all driver’s license exams will be administered exclusively in English.
Previously, driver’s license knowledge, written, oral, and skills exams were offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese at many Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles service centers.
Under the new policy, all written, oral, and skills tests for learner’s permits, regular driver’s licenses, and commercial driver’s licenses will be offered only in English. Translated printed tests and interpreter services will no longer be available for any exams.
State officials say the change is intended to ensure that drivers have the English proficiency needed to understand road signs, traffic laws, and safety instructions while driving.
Critics of the policy say it could present barriers for non-native English speakers, including immigrants and multilingual residents who previously relied on multilingual testing options. Advocacy groups and some county tax collector offices have expressed concern that the change could make it more difficult for some applicants to obtain legal driving privileges.
Supporters of the policy say that requiring English-only exams promotes safety and uniformity for all drivers on Florida roads.
Residents planning to take a driver’s license exam after February 6, 2026, will need to prepare for the English-only format, including studying English-language driver manuals and practice tests.
The policy change has sparked debate about language access, public safety, and inclusion in a culturally diverse state like Florida.
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