Florida authorities have announced an important change that will affect thousands of future drivers, including candidates for commercial CDL licenses. Starting February 6, 2026, all driver's license exams in the state will be conducted exclusively in English.
This decision has already caused a wide resonance in the transportation industry, especially among Russian-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and other immigrant communities actively working in the freight sector.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the new rule means:
- all written exams will be available only in English
- oral exams will also be conducted exclusively in English
- translators and any forms of language support are no longer allowed
- the changes apply to both regular driver's licenses and CDL/CLP
Local media report that previously some tests, including commercial ones, could be provided in English and Spanish.
As department representatives emphasized, the goal of the reform is safety and unified communication standards on the roads.
In a statement from FLHSMV, it is noted that the English language is a key factor for safe driving, especially for commercial transport.
One of the official comments states:
"Clear understanding of road signs, signals, and interaction with law enforcement requires confident command of the English language."
This position was voiced at the end of January 2026 as part of a public announcement about the reform.
More details are reported in the NPR-affiliated publication: WUSF Public Media
It is important to understand: this decision is a state initiative, but it coincides with already existing federal requirements.
FMCSA has long established that a commercial driver must:
"read and speak English sufficiently to understand road signs, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports."
This is enshrined in federal regulation 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2), which applies nationwide: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
Thus, Florida is effectively strengthening control already at the exam admission stage.
For many drivers, especially immigrants, a CDL is one of the main paths to stable work in the USA. The new rule means that preparation must now include not only learning traffic rules but also confident command of professional English.
Experts expect that:
- demand for English courses for drivers will increase
- some candidates may postpone obtaining a CDL
- other states may consider similar measures
If you are planning to obtain a CDL or regular license in Florida in 2026, it is worth starting preparation in advance:
- study road sign terminology in English
- take practice tests only in the English version
- practice answering oral questions from the inspector
- use official FLHSMV guides
The news was also covered in industry media: CDL Life
Florida's transition to an English-only exam format, including CDL, is one of the most notable changes in the driver admission system in recent years.
For some, it is a step towards increased safety and unified standards. For others, it is a new barrier to entering the profession.
One thing is clear: those planning a career in trucking in Florida should prepare not only for the exam but also for the language requirements now.