PHOTO BY SAMUELE ERRICO PICCARINI VIA UNSPLASH.COM
Florida is moving to English-only driver license testing starting Friday, February 6, according to a new announcement from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The change applies to all driver license knowledge and skills exams, including oral exams, across every license classification.
FLHSMV says the statewide testing system has already been updated for the switch. Under the updated policy, language translation services will no longer be permitted for either the knowledge test or the road skills test, and printed exams in languages other than English will be removed.
Previously, Florida offered many non-commercial knowledge exams in multiple languages. Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge exams were more limited, with testing offered in English and Spanish. Under the new rule, all of these exams move to English only at the end of this week.
In its statement, FLHSMV framed the decision as a safety measure, saying it is focused on “clear communication” and understanding traffic laws. Local offices that administer testing, including tax collector offices, have emphasized that the policy was made at the state level and that they are required to follow it.
