Florida Now Requires English-Only Driving Tests — Here’s What It Means for Drivers

Florida has implemented a significant shift in its driver licensing policy: all driver’s license exams, including written, oral and behind-the-wheel testing, must now be conducted exclusively in English. This change took effect Feb. 6, 2026, and eliminates previously available test options in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and other languages.

The policy, issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), also bars translators or interpretation assistance during testing and removes printed exam materials in non-English languages.

Why the State Says It Made the Change

Supporters of the English-only requirement argue it enhances road safety and consistency by ensuring drivers fully understand traffic laws, signs, and instructions, which are predominantly written in English. Proponents also say standardized language testing could reduce miscommunication during instruction and licensing.

State officials have publicly framed the move as a straightforward update to strengthen driver proficiency — a position echoed by some policymakers who say English proficiency behind the wheel is essential.

Critics Raise Equity and Access Concerns

Civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups have been some of the most vocal critics of the English-only policy. They argue that it creates a barrier to essential services for residents who speak limited or no English — potentially affecting their ability to work, access healthcare, transport family members, or fulfill other daily responsibilities.

Florida is one of the most linguistically diverse states in the U.S., with a large portion of households speaking a language other than English at home. Critics contend the language restriction could disproportionately impact communities of color and immigrant families.

Advocates warn the shift may inadvertently encourage more residents to drive without a license if they are unable to pass the English exam, a situation that could have legal, safety and insurance consequences.

What Has Changed

Under the new rule:

• Written driver’s license exams are only available in English.

• Oral and practical (behind-the-wheel) testing must be administered only in English.

• Translated test materials and translation assistance are no longer permitted.

• The rule applies to all license types, including standard and commercial licenses.

Previously, Florida offered multilingual written exams and allowed interpreters in some settings — a practice now discontinued under the FLHSMV directive.

Local Impact and Broader Reactions

In the days leading up to the policy’s implementation, traffic schools across the state — including in Southwest Florida — reported a surge in test appointments as applicants rushed to take exams before the English-only rule took effect.

The policy has sparked debate among educators, drivers and business groups, with some calling for enhanced English preparation resources and others urging the state to consider multilingual testing support options in the future.

As the discussion continues, state and local stakeholders are watching closely to gauge the long-term effects of the policy on licensing rates, traffic safety and community access — particularly among Florida’s diverse population.