by Sharelle B. McNair
February 2, 2026
The Sunshine State is main the way in which with change whereas 1000’s of truckers are being faraway from American roadways after failing obligatory roadside English exams.
Florida follows President Donald Trump’s mind-set by issuing all driver’s license exams in English solely, the Tallahassee Democrat studies.
A Jan. 30 announcement from the Florida Division of Freeway Security and Motor Automobiles (FLHSMV) said that every one driver’s license exams might be issued in English solely starting Feb. 6, requiring all exams to be taken with out an interpreter. Previous to the change, most non-commercial driver license exams have been provided in a number of languages, however not anymore. “Florida takes a number one function in freeway security by requiring all driver’s license exams be taken in English and with out an interpreter,” the company stated.
The rule change follows Trump’s March 2025 declaration that English is the official language of the US, amid the administration’s crackdown on business drivers nationwide. Nonetheless, the Sunshine State is main the way in which with the change, whereas 1000’s of truckers are being faraway from American roadways after failing obligatory roadside English exams.
In August 2025, three individuals have been killed when California-licensed trucker Harjinder Singh made an unlawful U-turn in St. Lucie County. He reportedly failed a roadside English proficiency check.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy referred to as the change a “commonsense normal” that ought to by no means have been “deserted,” referring to the Obama administration’s suspension of the English proficiency rule in 2016. “Federal regulation is obvious, a driver who can not sufficiently learn or converse English — our nationwide language — and perceive street indicators is unqualified to drive a business motorized vehicle in America,” Duffy stated.
The Trump administration reversed the Obama rule in June 2025, making it a requirement for truckers to talk and browse English throughout site visitors stops and weigh-station checks as soon as on the open street. They’re additionally required to speak to inspectors with out smartphone translator apps or a bodily translator. “A nationally designated language is on the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the US is strengthened by a citizenry that may freely change concepts in a single shared language,” Trump’s order learn.
“Authorities operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement, it’s in America’s finest curiosity for the Federal Authorities to designate one — and just one — official language.”
The brand new mandate adjustments Florida’s “Class E Information Examination,” a learner’s allow check consisting of fifty multiple-choice questions overlaying the state’s site visitors legal guidelines, street indicators, and protected driving practices. In line with CBS Information, check takers should rating at the least 80% to move.
As soon as drivers move the allow check, the subsequent step is the talents check, the place they drive an precise car and carry out widespread street duties like a three-point flip, parking, stopping shortly, and placing the automobile in reverse.
RELATED CONTENT: Self-Driving Automobiles Are Right here And Tech Giants Are Keen to Pay The Value
