Florida DMV's English-only rule for driver's tests faces mixed enforcement

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

Florida traffic schools are experiencing a wave of people rushing to take their driver's license tests after the state announced last Friday that tests must be taken exclusively in English starting today.

Joe Rivera, from Golden Gate Traffic School, noted the urgency among test-takers.

"So Monday morning, you know, people knocking down the door to come and take their test because they knew they only had a couple of days to do it," Rivera said. "And, you know, just people really stressed trying to get it done. You know, they're just regretting that they didn't do it sooner. But, they're just trying to get it done now."

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) stated on Jan. 30 that the written and road tests must be taken in English beginning today, Feb. 6.

Local DMV offices in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties confirmed to Gulf Coast News they are enforcing the new rules today.

FLHSMV announced that all driver's license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English. This change applies to all driver license classifications, including exams administered orally.

To implement the change, the FDHSMV website said the agency was updating the testing system statewide, and language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations.

However, some traffic schools are able to offer tests in multiple languages through the DMV's online system.

Gulf Coast News called all 23 traffic schools in Southwest Florida. Some said they received an email from state officials saying the English-only rule will not be deployed Feb. 6, and the online system will not be updated as originally scheduled.

About four traffic schools reported to Gulf Coast News, saying they are still offering multiple-language options.

Other local traffic schools say they are sticking to the new rules.

Golden Gate Traffic School is among dozens of schools authorized by state agencies such as the FLHSMV in Florida to act as third-party testers, allowing them to administer official driver's license road tests and knowledge exams.

Rivera demonstrated that the option to administer tests in other languages remains available at his school at Golden Gate Traffic School.

Gulf Coast News reporter Samantha Romero shadowed the process as Rivera was able to log into the system and schedule a test in Spanish, with Rivera confirming he still has Spanish-speaking exam appointments scheduled for Friday.

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles has not responded to inquiries about whether it is reconsidering the new rules at third-party locations.

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