Florida Moves to English-Only Driver’s License Exams, Prompting Mixed Reactions

Starting Friday, people in Florida will only be able to take a driver's license exam in English. (Source: WFOX via CNN Newsource)

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | National News - WFOX via CNN Newsource

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Beginning Friday, Florida will require all driver’s license examinations to be administered exclusively in English, ending the use of translated tests and interpreter services statewide.

The change, announced by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), applies to noncommercial driver’s license exams that were previously available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. State officials say the policy is intended to strengthen highway safety standards by ensuring all licensed drivers can read and understand English-language road signs, instructions, and safety information.

The impending deadline has prompted some residents to rush to schedule exams before the English-only requirement takes effect. In Jacksonville, reactions to the policy shift have been divided.

Ana Valdes, a Jacksonville resident who has been preparing for her exam for months, said she immediately booked her appointment after learning about the change. While she has been studying English, Valdes worries that taking the test outside her native language could hinder her ability to fully understand the questions.

“I feel anxious and worried,” Valdes said through an interpreter. “Imagine not mastering English perfectly. It makes it much harder.” She added that additional time or a gradual transition would help applicants who are still learning the language.

Under the new policy, translation services will also be discontinued during testing. In a press release, FLHSMV stated that requiring exams to be taken in English and without interpreters reinforces Florida’s role as a national leader in highway safety.

Public opinion on the change remains mixed. Some residents support the move, arguing that English proficiency is essential for safe driving in the United States. “I think it’s a good thing,” said Jacksonville resident Terry Caldwell. “We’re Americans, and the test should be in English.”

Others disagree, saying the policy could create unnecessary barriers for qualified drivers. “If people understand better in their native language, it shouldn’t matter,” another resident said. “As long as it’s the same test, safety shouldn’t be affected.”

State officials have not indicated whether additional accommodations or phased-in measures will be considered in the future. For now, the English-only requirement will take effect as scheduled, marking a significant shift in how Florida administers its driver’s license exams.

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