Florida driver’s license tests now offered only in English. State transportation officials cite safety for sudden change

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Starting Friday, all driver’s license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English across the state of Florida.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced the change last week, citing driver safety as a primary reason and “promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.”

The new policy also eliminates the use of translators during the exams.

The changes have faced criticism.

Nikki Fried, former agriculture commissioner and current chair of the Florida Democrats, criticized the change on X, saying, “In one of the most multilingual states in the country, Florida is going to implement driving tests only in English. This isn’t about safety; it’s about racism.”

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that about 30% of Florida residents over the age of 5 speak a language other than English at home.

Additionally, the Migration Policy Institute reports that nearly 35% of naturalized citizens in Florida say they have limited English proficiency.

Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on X when the announcement was made last week. He wrote, “Good reform by @FLHSMV to require driver exams be conducted only in English. Need to be able to read the road signs!”

Previously, knowledge exams for most noncommercial driver license classifications were offered in multiple languages. Commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge exams were available only in English and Spanish.

However, FLHSMV says all DMV testing systems across the state have now been updated to administer tests only in English.