Florida Shifts to English-Only Driver's License Exams, Sparking Reactions from Spanish Speakers

Miami-Dade sees surge in Spanish exam requests before new policy takes effect

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Florida has announced plans to offer driver's license exams only in English starting this week, prompting concerns and reactions from Spanish-speaking residents in Miami-Dade County. A 60-day transition period will allow those who scheduled appointments before February 6th to still take the exam in Spanish, but the state says the change is meant to promote safer roadways and ensure drivers fully understand traffic laws.

Why it matters

The new English-only policy has raised concerns among Miami-Dade's large Spanish-speaking population, who make up a significant portion of new driver's license applicants. The shift could create barriers for non-English speakers and impact access to driver's licenses, which are essential for employment and daily life in the car-dependent region.

The details

According to the Miami-Dade Tax Collector's Office, nearly 34,000 people signed up for driver's license appointments in February, and about 67% requested the Spanish-language exam. The state is allowing a 60-day transition period for those who scheduled appointments before February 6th to still take the test in Spanish. However, after March 31st, all exams will be offered only in English. Some Spanish-speaking residents, like Elizany Valdez and Maria Gamboa, have expressed nervousness about taking the exam in their second language, with Valdez saying it took her three attempts to pass.

  • The new English-only policy for driver's license exams in Florida took effect on February 6, 2026.
  • A 60-day transition period will run through March 31, 2026, allowing those who scheduled appointments before February 6th to still take the exam in Spanish.

The players

Dariel Fernandez

Miami-Dade Tax Collector, who said the state is allowing a limited transition period for certain applicants.

Elizany Valdez

A Spanish-speaking Florida resident who passed the driver's license exam in English after three attempts.

Maria Gamboa

A Spanish-speaking Florida resident who was able to take the driver's license exam in Spanish because she scheduled her appointment the day before the new policy took effect.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A 60-day transition period has been made for those who made their appointment before February 6.”

— Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade Tax Collector

“For me, my experience was good, but this was the third time I finally passed.”

— Elizany Valdez

“When did you book your appointment?”

— Ivan Taylor, CBS News Miami Reporter

“Yesterday.”

— Maria Gamboa

What’s next

The 60-day transition period for Spanish-language driver's license exams in Florida will end on March 31, 2026, after which all exams will be offered only in English.

The takeaway

Florida's shift to English-only driver's license exams has raised concerns among the state's large Spanish-speaking population, particularly in Miami-Dade County where many new applicants rely on taking the test in their native language. The change could create barriers to accessing driver's licenses, which are essential for employment and daily life in the car-dependent region.