The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has announced a major policy change impacting all driver license applicants statewide. Beginning Friday, February 6, 2026, all Florida driver license knowledge and skills exams will be administered exclusively in English.
The announcement was made in a statewide news release dated January 30, 2026, marking a significant shift in how Florida conducts driver testing.
What Is Changing?
According to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the updated policy applies to all driver license classifications, including:
- Non-commercial driver license exams
- Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) exams
- Commercial Driver License (CDL) exams
- Oral knowledge exams
- Skills and road tests
All testing will now be conducted only in English, and interpreters or translation services will no longer be permitted during any portion of the examination process.
Previous Language Options
Before this change, Florida offered driver license knowledge exams in multiple languages for most non-commercial licenses. CDL and CLP exams were limited to English and Spanish.
Under the new policy, all multilingual testing options have been eliminated, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed from use statewide.
Why Florida Made the Change
FLHSMV stated that the policy is intended to enhance highway safety by ensuring that all licensed drivers can:
- Clearly understand traffic laws
- Read and comprehend road signs
- Communicate effectively in emergency situations
- Demonstrate full understanding of driving responsibilities
The department emphasized that consistent language standards improve clear communication and responsible driving behavior, which benefits both Florida residents and visitors.
Statewide System Updates Already Implemented
To support the transition, FLHSMV confirmed that it has updated its driver license testing systems statewide. These updates ensure:
- Exams are administered exclusively in English
- Translation services are disabled
- Non-English printed materials are no longer available
Applicants should be aware that these changes apply uniformly at all Florida driver license offices.
What Applicants Should Do Now
Driver license applicants who are not fluent in English are encouraged to:
- Study English-language Florida driver handbooks
- Enroll in English language or driver education courses
- Practice road signs, written questions, and driving instructions in English
FLHSMV recommends preparing well in advance of testing to avoid delays in obtaining a license.
Commitment to Roadway Safety
FLHSMV reiterated its commitment to safe roadways for all Floridians, stating that the policy aligns with its mission to promote:
- Clear communication
- Strong understanding of traffic laws
- Safe and responsible driving statewide
As Florida continues to grow and attract new residents, state officials say uniform language standards help maintain consistency and safety on public roads.