Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license./Author: Aerra Carnicom
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced in January that beginning this Friday, February 6th, all driver’s license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English.
FLHSMV shared in a press release, “Today, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced that, beginning Friday, February 6th, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English. This change applies to all driver license classifications, including exams administered orally.”
“Previously, knowledge exams for most non-commercial driver license classifications were offered in multiple languages, while Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge exams were only available in English and Spanish.”
“Under the updated policy, all driver license knowledge and skills testing will be conducted in English.”
“To implement this change, FLHSMV has updated its driver license testing system statewide. 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.”
“FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior. ”
Beginning, Friday, February 6th, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English. pic.twitter.com/U8fOUl3UJW
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) January 30, 2026
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) hailed the news saying, Good reform by @FLHSMV to require driver exams be conducted only in English.”
“Need to be able to read the road signs!”
Good reform by @FLHSMV to require driver exams be conducted only in English.
Need to be able to read the road signs! https://t.co/Uxvwn7ythw
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 31, 2026
James Lamb, Executive Director of theSmall Business in Transportation Coalition, Inc. (“SBTC”) applauded the move.
“For four years, the SBTC has zealously pursued public policies across the nation that would result in states testing for English language proficiency (ELP) in furtherance of Federal Regulations that have been in place since 1937 under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2). We have repeatedly pointed to the 2002 DOT Inspector General’s CDL Standards Audit report as the compelling incentive to do so.”
“We have also called for truckers found not in compliance with the ELP regulation to be placed out of service, a policy that has returned as of June 26, 2025 by order of President Trump,” Lamb added.
“Our efforts culminated in the introduction of Connor’s Law, introduced last year in both the House by Rep. Taylor and the Senate by Senator Lummis and additional bills that would effect legislation to guard who is qualified to be licensed to drive a truck and who must be removed from the road when they are not. And now, the essence of Connor’s Law is about to pass in the Consolidated Appropriations Act’s Transportation bill, on of 6 bills in that package,” Lamb stated.
Being able to read, speak, and understand English is one such qualification that significantly affects public safety. Our pleas to “Make the Roads Safe Again” have been heard by President Trump, Secretary Duffy, FMCSA, and now the state of Florida. Even DOT OIG is on board and has finally commenced our requested 2022 reaudit of CDL Standards as of September 2025,” Lamb continued.
“Like most things in life, we need to start with common sense. There is no better way for a state to test for trucker English proficiency than to administer the CDL knowledge and skills tests in, well, English. In the state of Florida, at least, common sense will now prevail effective February 6th. We hope other states will follow,” Lamb concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2026
Washington, DC
The Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) applauded Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) after the agency announced today that, beginning Friday,…
— Small Business in Transportation Coalition (@TheSBTC) January 30, 2026
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