Florida Will Require All Driver’s License Exams in English Only Starting Feb. 6, 2026

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Beginning Friday, February 6, 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced a significant change to driver’s license testing across the state: all driver’s license knowledge and skills exams will now be administered exclusively in English. This policy ends multilingual testing options and translation services statewide.

Under the updated policy, knowledge and skills tests — including written exams, road tests, and any oral examinations — must be taken in English only. Language translation services will no longer be permitted, and printed exams in languages other than English will be removed from use entirely.

What’s Changing?

Before this change, Florida offered driver’s license knowledge exams in multiple languages for most non-commercial license applicants. Commercial driver license (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) exams were already limited to English and Spanish options. Effective Feb. 6, every driver exam, for every license type, will be in English only, regardless of how the test is administered.

The Department says the goal of the change is to promote clear communication and ensure that all drivers understand traffic laws and roadway signage, which are presented in English on Florida’s roads.

Why It Matters

Florida is one of the most linguistically diverse states in the U.S., with large populations of Spanish and Haitian Creole speakers, among other languages. Ending multilingual testing could affect new drivers who are learning to navigate the licensing process while also learning English.

Supporters of the new policy argue that requiring English proficiency for driving tests can improve safety by ensuring drivers comprehend instructions, road rules, and communication with law enforcement. Critics, however, say the change may pose challenges for residents who rely on multilingual testing to demonstrate safe driving knowledge and skills.

Preparing for the New Policy

If you or someone you know plans to take a driver’s license test in Florida after February 6, be prepared to take the exam in English without translation assistance. This includes practice tests, study guides, and instructional materials, which applicants may want to review in English ahead of time.