Are Florida’s English only driver’s license exams a good idea?
By Easton Martin | February 5, 2026
Starting Friday, February 6, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will require all driver’s license examinations to be administered exclusively in English. The new statewide mandate applies to all license classifications, effectively eliminating the use of interpreters and translated testing materials for both written knowledge exams and behind-the-wheel skills tests.
State officials and policy proponents are saying that this standardization is a critical measure for enhancing public safety on Florida’s increasingly busy roadways. They cite several primary reasons for the policy shift.
Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly supported the change by emphasizing that the ability to read and understand English-language traffic signs is fundamental to safe vehicle operation. Text-based warnings and construction notices require immediate comprehension to avoid hazards. A driver unable to read these directives poses a risk to themselves and others.
Indeed, a baseline level of English proficiency is necessary for drivers to interact effectively with police officers during traffic stops and with first responders at accident scenes. Miscommunication in these high-pressure scenarios can be dangerous.
The policy change follows scrutiny regarding road safety involving non-English speaking drivers. Officials have pointed to a fatal crash in St. Lucie County involving a commercial truck driver who reportedly struggled to communicate with authorities as a driving factor for tightening language requirements.
Prior to this mandate, non-commercial driver’s license exams were available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Haitian Creole. FLHSMV officials state that standardizing the testing process ensures that every licensed motorist meets the same operational requirements for understanding traffic laws and road directives.
