Florida shifts driver’s license exam to English-only
Florida’s driver’s license exams, both written and oral, must now be taken exclusively in English following a policy change implemented by the state last week.
Under the new rules, the use of interpreters during testing is no longer allowed. Previously, the exams were offered in multiple languages, including Spanish and Portuguese. State officials, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, say the change is intended to improve roadway safety by ensuring drivers can read and understand traffic signs and warnings.
A 60-day grace period will allow previously scheduled Spanish-language tests to proceed through March. After that, no exceptions will be made.
The policy shift comes after a fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike last year involving a tractor-trailer driver who had failed an English proficiency test and was reportedly in the country without legal status.
Shannon Everett, co-founder of the advocacy group American Truckers United, said he supports the state’s decision.
“When drivers cannot read signs like ‘lane closed ahead’ or ‘merge right’ while traveling at highway speeds in vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, the consequences can be devastating,” Everett said. “Especially for others sharing the road.”
Everett also expressed concern about what he describes as an increase in drivers who are not properly trained or credentialed.
“There’s been a rise in what are called non-domiciled CDLs issued by some states,” he said. “These are commercial licenses granted to individuals who do not have lawful status in the United States. This followed federal guidance issued in 2019 that, in our view, lowered standards for issuing commercial driver’s licenses.”
American Truckers United is calling for that federal guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to be rescinded and for a halt to the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs to individuals without lawful status.
“Although the guidance is the same nationwide, its interpretation and enforcement vary from state to state,” Everett said.
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