Florida to give driving tests ‘exclusively’ in English
Starting Feb. 6, Floridians will need to take their driving tests “exclusively” in English, according to an announcement by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration on Friday.
“Previously, knowledge exams for most non-commercial driver license classifications were offered in multiple languages,” states a press release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. “Under the updated policy, all driver license knowledge and skills will be conducted in English.”
Non-English-speaking Floridians who want to obtain their license have exactly one week to do their driving tests before the changes are implemented. The changes will also apply to commercial learners permits and commercial drivers licenses, which are currently offered in English and Spanish, according to the press release.
“Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use,” states the press release.
While the state sets the rules for driving tests, locally elected tax collectors administer the tests. Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade’s Republican tax collector, said his office staffs Spanish-speaking and Creole-speaking employees to serve the local population. Census data shows about two-thirds of Miami-Dade’s households speak Spanish at home.
Fernandez, a Cuban American, said he supports the change. “Every single road sign is in English,” he said. “It’s about safety.”
Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, a Democrat, called the English-only testing rule a bad idea from a safety standpoint because it will discourage some people who don’t speak English from pursuing licenses.
“While I would love for everyone to learn English, it’s not necessary for you to know English to operate a motor vehicle safely,” he said. “I think it’s a bad idea to have public policy that may unintentionally discourage people from taking the test and inadvertently encourage them to drive unlawfully.”
Miami Herald staff writer Douglas Hanks contributed to this report.
This story was originally published January 30, 2026 at 1:33 PM.