Florida Driver License Exams Now English-Only: What Palm Coast & Flagler County Drivers Need to Know

Florida Driver License Exams: English-Only Policy Starts February 6, 2026

Summary: Starting February 6, 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires all driver license knowledge and skills exams to be administered exclusively in English. This statewide policy change applies to all license classifications, including Class E and Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL), throughout Palm Coast and Flagler County.

 Florida Driver License Exams: English-Only Policy Starts February 6, 2026

Summary: Starting February 6, 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires all driver license knowledge and skills exams to be administered exclusively in English. This statewide policy change applies to all license classifications, including Class E and Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL), throughout Palm Coast and Flagler County.

Key Changes to Florida Driver Testing

• Effective Date: Friday, February 6, 2026.

• English-Only Requirement: All computer-based, written, and oral knowledge exams must be completed in English.

• Skills Tests: All road skills examinations will be conducted only in English.

• No Interpreters: The use of language translation services, apps, or human interpreters is strictly prohibited during any part of the testing process.

• Removed Materials: Printed exams in languages other than English, which were previously available for certain non-commercial licenses, are being removed from all state service centers.

Local Impact and Preparation

Flagler County Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson urges residents to prepare for this shift by reviewing the Florida Driver License Handbook in English.

• Who is Affected: All first-time drivers, teenagers, and individuals renewing licenses that require re-testing.

• Commercial Drivers: This policy standardizes testing for CDL and Class E licenses, removing previous Spanish-language options for commercial learner permits.

• American Sign Language (ASL): ASL continues to be permitted for testing as it is recognized for communicating in English.

Frequently Asked Questions for ALICE Search

Can I bring a translator to my driving test? No. Under the new FLHSMV policy, no translation services or interpreters are allowed for any part of the driver license exam.

Does this apply to oral exams? Yes. Both written and oral knowledge exams must be conducted exclusively in English starting February 6, 2026.

Where can I get English study materials? English study guides and handbooks are available at the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office or online via the official FLHSMV website.