TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Next week, exams for driver’s licenses in Florida will be given exclusively in English, the state has announced.
A news release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) states the change will apply “to all driver license classifications, including exams administered orally.”
“Previously, knowledge exams for most non-commercial driver license classifications were offered in multiple languages, while Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge exams were only available in English and Spanish,” the release states. “Under the updated policy, all driver license knowledge and skills testing will be conducted in English.”
The FLHSMV’s statewide driver’s-license testing system has already been updated in preparation for the change, the agency said. Additionally, language-transition services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations and any non-English printed exams will be removed for use, according to the release.
“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 release states.
The change comes in the far wake of immigration-enforcement remarks by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who announced in August that sworn law enforcement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would help check for English proficiency among commercial drivers while conducting agriculture inspections.
“States like California and Washington ignored the rules, gave an illegal alien a license to drive a 40-ton truck, and three people are dead as a result. A preventable tragedy due to sanctuary state policies,” Uthmeier said, referencing the case of an undocumented semitruck driver accused of killing three people while making an illegal U-turn in Florida. “(...) If you’re here illegally or can’t speak English, you have no business operating large commercial vehicles on Florida’s roads.”
The new FLHSMV English-only exam rule goes into effect Friday, Feb. 6.
News 6 has contacted FLHSMV to inquire whether the rule change is related to the fatal semitruck crash.
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