Florida makes truck driver tests only available in English

Florida will administer all driver’s license exams exclusively in English, months after officials expressed outrage over a deadly trucking incident involving a driver they said couldn’t read or speak the language. 

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles instituted the new policy effective Friday, ending practices that allowed drivers the option of taking exams in multiple languages. The change to English-only testing applies to all driver license classifications, including oral exams, according to FLHSMV. It also means those seeking their commercial driver’s licenses and permits will no longer be given the option of a Spanish exam. 

“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,” the agency said in a press release previewing the policy change. “FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.”

The development makes Florida the latest state to block people from taking non-English exams at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Wyoming and South Dakota are among others that have imposed restrictions. 

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The change in the Sunshine State follows an August 2025 crash on the Florida Turnpike that left three people dead. The accident sparked intense scrutiny into driver’s license protocols, as the Trump administration and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) said the truck driver at fault in the incident, Harjinder Singh, was granted a CDL in California despite not being able to speak English or read road signs.

“How many other illegal aliens who do not speak English, who do not have the competency to drive such large commercial vehicles? How many of them are out on the roads endangering American families?” Uthmeier said at the time. “We’re going to use every tool, every legal tool, at our disposal, to fight back and protect our citizens.”