Florida has announced a significant change to its driver’s license testing process, making English the only language used for all exams. State officials say the decision is focused on improving road safety and ensuring that all drivers clearly understand traffic laws.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) confirmed that starting Friday, February 6, every driver’s license test — both commercial and non-commercial — will be conducted exclusively in English. This includes written, oral, and skills-based exams. Interpreters and translation services will no longer be allowed during testing.

According to the department, testing systems across the state have already been updated to remove all non-English materials. Any previously available exams in other languages have been discontinued.

Officials explained that the change is meant to promote consistent communication on the road. FLHSMV stated that a clear understanding of traffic signs, rules, and instructions is essential for safe driving for both residents and visitors.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly supported the move, describing it as a “common sense” reform. In a post on social media, he emphasized that drivers must be able to read and understand road signs to operate vehicles safely.

The policy has also received backing from transportation safety groups, particularly those representing the trucking industry. Advocates argue that English proficiency has long been a requirement under federal safety regulations and that consistent enforcement is necessary to protect public safety.

Supporters say Florida’s decision could encourage other states to adopt similar standards, potentially leading to a nationwide shift toward English-only driver testing.

Florida is now among the first states in recent years to fully eliminate multilingual testing for all classes of driver’s licenses, a move that supporters believe may set a new national precedent.