Florida Restricts Driver’s License Exams To English Only

Florida is set to institute a sweeping change to its driver’s license testing policy, requiring that all exams be administered exclusively in English starting February 6, 2026. The move, announced by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) on January 31, marks a significant departure from previous practices, where most non-commercial driver license knowledge tests were available in multiple languages. The new policy will now apply to all driver license classifications, including the oral portions of the exam, effectively eliminating language translation services and removing printed exams in any language other than English.

Governor Ron DeSantis has thrown his support behind the change, describing it as a necessary measure to ensure that drivers can read and understand road signs. "Good reform by FLHSMV to require driver exams be conducted only in English. Need to be able to read the road signs!" DeSantis declared, according to Florida Politics. The Governor’s endorsement underscores the state’s framing of the move as a matter of public safety—officials argue that administering exams solely in English will promote clear communication, better understanding of traffic laws, and responsible behavior by drivers and passengers alike.

Previously, Florida’s approach was more accommodating to its diverse population. Most non-commercial knowledge exams were offered in several languages, while Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) tests were available in English and Spanish. Now, under the updated policy, even these will be restricted to English only. The FLHSMV has already updated its statewide testing system, ensuring a smooth transition by removing the option for language translation services, both in print and orally. Any printed exams in languages other than English have been withdrawn from circulation.

Yet, the policy shift has not gone unnoticed—or unchallenged. Nikki Fried, the former Agriculture Commissioner and current chair of the Florida Democrats, voiced strong opposition to the change. "In one of the most multilingual states in the country, Florida is going to implement driver’s license exams exclusively in English. This is not about safety, this is about racism. This shows exactly how Republican leaders view the immigrant community: not as neighbors or as people who contribute to Florida’s economy and culture, but as disposable people," she posted, as reported by Florida Politics. Fried’s comments reflect the deep unease among critics who see the measure as targeting Florida’s immigrant and non-English-speaking communities—particularly given that roughly 23% of Florida residents speak Spanish at home, according to census data.

The timing of Florida’s decision is also notable, coinciding with ongoing legal proceedings against Harjinder Singh, who faces charges of multiple vehicular homicides after making an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike in 2025. While officials have not directly linked the policy change to this case, the heightened attention to roadway safety and legal compliance has undoubtedly shaped the conversation. Industry observers, such as Freight Waves, have advised trucking companies to audit their driver pools in light of increased scrutiny and a broader crackdown on drivers who may not meet legal requirements.

Florida’s move is not occurring in isolation. Across the country, several states are grappling with similar concerns over driver qualifications and language proficiency. In Arizona, for instance, lawmakers are advancing House Bill 2345, which would expand state authority over commercial driver enforcement. The bill, sponsored by Representative David Livingston, proposes elevating the use of fake commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to a felony and authorizes police to seize and auction trucks owned by companies that hire undocumented drivers. Livingston has framed the bill as tightly focused on “a very, very small group of people that should not be driving in Arizona 18-wheelers,” emphasizing that it targets undocumented individuals with illegal licenses.

The Arizona debate has shed light on broader frustrations with inconsistent enforcement of English-language proficiency (ELP) rules across states. Federal law requires truck drivers to read and speak English, but enforcement often falls short—especially when drivers licensed in one state operate in another. Tony Bradley, president and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association, told lawmakers, “We nationalized the CDL program to make sure we had uniformity across the United States. We can’t have a patchwork of rules from state to state.” Bradley pointed to failures in other states, specifically calling out California, as contributing to the problem.

House Bill 2345 passed out of the Arizona House Judiciary Committee on January 28 with a 5–3 vote, after an amendment clarified the vehicle forfeiture process. However, the bill has sparked concerns about overstepping federal authority, particularly in areas reserved for federal regulators like language standards tied to interstate commerce. Lawmakers acknowledged this tension during the hearing, with Rep. Mariana Hernandez raising questions about the state’s ability to address ELP and CDL integrity without violating the Supremacy Clause. “As interstate commerce, we want uniformity,” Bradley said. “We can’t have our own program that steps outside the line, or again, we risk those federal dollars.”

Livingston, for his part, insisted that the Arizona bill is about safety, not immigration. “I do not look at this as an immigration bill. I look at this as a safety bill,” he said. “If it’s not workable, it will not get a third reading vote. But I think we need this topic out there, and we need solutions.” The debate in Arizona mirrors similar legislative efforts in Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, all aimed at addressing the perceived risks posed by undocumented or non-English-speaking commercial drivers.

Back in Florida, the new English-only exam policy is already influencing the trucking industry. Freight Waves has urged companies to review their driver pools to ensure compliance, especially as enforcement tightens. The policy’s supporters argue that the change is simply an overdue step to ensure that everyone behind the wheel can understand road signs and traffic laws, thus keeping roads safer for all. Opponents, however, warn that the move could have far-reaching implications for Florida’s economy and culture, potentially excluding large segments of the population from legal driving and contributing to broader tensions over immigration and language rights.

As the policy goes into effect, Florida becomes a test case for how states can balance safety, legal compliance, and the needs of a diverse population. The outcome may well influence similar debates across the country, as lawmakers and industry leaders grapple with the challenges of ensuring roadway safety in an increasingly multilingual and mobile society.

For now, all eyes are on February 6, when Florida’s new rules take effect—ushering in a new era for driver licensing in the Sunshine State, and possibly setting the tone for national conversations about language, law, and the road ahead.