Florida To Start English-Only Driver License Exams Feb. 6

Tallahassee, FL – In a move aimed at enhancing road safety and ensuring clear communication, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has declared that all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be conducted solely in English starting February 6, 2026.

This statewide policy shift eliminates previous multilingual options, marking a significant change for Florida’s diverse driving population.

The announcement, made public on January 30, applies to all driver license classifications, including those administered orally.

Prior to this update, knowledge exams for most non-commercial licenses were available in multiple languages such as Spanish, Haitian-Creole, and Portuguese, while Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) tests were limited to English and Spanish. Skills tests, however, were already required to be conducted in English without interpreters.

FLHSMV officials emphasized that the reform is designed to promote better understanding of traffic laws and road signs, which are predominantly in English across the state.

“This change will improve communication and road safety,” stated the department in its official release, emphasizing the need for drivers to comprehend signage for safe navigation.

Governor Ron DeSantis quickly endorsed the initiative on social media platform X, reposting the FLHSMV’s announcement and commenting, “Good reform by @FLHSMV to require driver exams be conducted only in English. Need to be able to read the road signs!”

The policy does not affect existing licenses but will impact new applicants and those renewing or upgrading their classifications after the effective date. Third-party testing providers across the state must also comply, ensuring uniformity in implementation.

This development comes amid ongoing national conversations about language proficiency in essential services after three people were killed in St. Lucie County in a crash involving a semi truck driven by an immigrant.

As the February 6 deadline approaches, FLHSMV recommends that prospective drivers prepare accordingly, with resources available on their website for English-language study materials.