Deadly Crash Triggers MASSIVE Crackdown

Florida just eliminated driver’s license exams in all foreign languages, triggering concerns about safety, accessibility, and whether non-English speakers will simply drive unlicensed instead of meeting the new requirement.

Story Snapshot

Florida implemented English-only driver’s license exams on February 6, 2026, removing tests previously available in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, and Portuguese
Governor Ron DeSantis championed the reform as a road safety measure following a fatal August 2025 crash involving a truck driver with limited English proficiency
The policy affects approximately 30% of Florida residents who speak a language other than English at home, raising concerns about increased unlicensed drivers
Industry experts warn the move lacks empirical safety evidence and may backfire by discouraging non-English speakers from seeking licenses altogether

Policy Takes Effect After Fatal Crash

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles eliminated all translated driver’s license exams and interpreter services on February 6, 2026. The policy applies to written knowledge tests, oral examinations, and behind-the-wheel road tests for both commercial and non-commercial licenses. Previously, Florida offered non-commercial exams in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Portuguese, and other languages to accommodate its diverse population. The change followed a fatal August 2025 crash on Florida’s Turnpike near Fort Pierce that killed three people, where the accused truck driver had difficulty understanding English and identifying road signs.

DeSantis Defends Reform as Common Sense Safety Measure

Governor Ron DeSantis publicly endorsed the policy on January 31, 2026, stating drivers need to read road signs for public safety. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles frames the requirement as promoting clear communication with law enforcement, understanding traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior. State officials argue that English proficiency ensures drivers can interpret signs, follow instructions from police officers, and respond appropriately in emergency situations. This represents a straightforward application of common sense: if American road signs are in English, drivers should demonstrate English comprehension before receiving government permission to operate vehicles on public roads.

Critics Question Safety Claims Without Evidence

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried characterized the policy as racially motivated rather than safety-focused, while the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators warned that English-only requirements could discourage non-English speakers from seeking licenses. PolitiFact found no academic studies or government reports demonstrating that drivers who take tests in foreign languages pose greater safety threats. The industry standards organization notes that inability to read or speak English is not necessarily a barrier to proper motor vehicle operation if drivers can interpret highway signs, signals, and markings through other means.

Policy Creates Barriers in Linguistically Diverse State

Approximately 30% of Florida residents over age five speak a language other than English at home, and 35% of naturalized citizens report limited English proficiency. County tax collector offices confirm that language services were popular testing options, particularly among immigrant and military communities. The policy places Florida among only four states with English-only driver’s license exams, alongside Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Most states continue offering multilingual exams while requiring separate visual-based tests to verify understanding of English-language road signs, balancing accessibility with safety verification.

LIVE: Florida is officially ending translated driver’s license exams.@Danamariemctv is live at the Miami Bureau with why officials say the move is vital for road safety after a non-English speaking trucker caused a triple-fatal crash on the Turnpike. https://t.co/wNlJlcYXGH

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 9, 2026

The immediate impact creates a significant barrier for legal residents who lack English proficiency, potentially forcing them to choose between driving unlicensed or investing substantial time and resources in English language education. While ensuring road safety remains paramount, the absence of empirical evidence linking foreign-language test-takers to increased accident rates raises questions about whether this policy achieves its stated objective or simply creates additional government obstacles for law-abiding immigrants. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators cautions that strict language requirements may paradoxically reduce road safety by increasing the number of unlicensed, uninsured drivers who bypass the testing system entirely rather than meeting the English requirement.