Florida Bans Foreign Language Driver Tests

Florida is tightening the reins on road safety by mandating that all driver’s license tests commercial and non-commercial alike be administered exclusively in English, effective February 6. The move comes after multiple deadly crashes involving illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. through so-called “sanctuary” states and later obtained driver’s licenses, often in languages other than English.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced the policy Friday, stating plainly that all language translation services will be banned during driver’s license knowledge and skills exams. Any printed exams in languages other than English will be eliminated.

This is not just bureaucratic housekeeping it’s a direct response to tragedy.

Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India, entered the U.S. through California in 2018. After being arrested and processed for removal, Singh claimed asylum and was released. He later obtained a California Commercial Driver’s License, despite his immigration status. That license eventually paved the way for a fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike, where Singh’s reckless U-turn led to the deaths of three innocent Americans. Singh now faces multiple homicide charges.

Florida’s response isn’t just appropriate it’s overdue.

For far too long, sanctuary states like California have offered a red carpet to non-citizens while sacrificing the safety of law-abiding Americans. In 2023 alone, over 17,000 commercial driver licenses were issued to foreign nationals in California, according to public records many without verified legal status.

This isn’t an isolated incident:

• In December, a newlywed couple was killed by a truck driver—another illegal immigrant with a California CDL.

• Federal data reveals a spike in traffic fatalities involving non-citizen drivers, particularly in states that offer licenses without strict ID enforcement.

• The Department of Homeland Security confirms that many illegals with pending asylum claims are able to exploit loopholes to get licensed and drive commercial vehicles.

Florida’s decision to cut off multi-language testing is a direct rebuke of that trend. It prioritizes legal accountability, communication, and public safety not political correctness.

"FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior," the department said in a statement.

This isn’t about language it’s about law. If someone can’t understand English well enough to take a driving test, they should not be behind the wheel in the United States, period. It’s common sense, especially in high-stakes situations like operating multi-ton trucks on American highways.

Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida officials are once again leading where Washington refuses to act. Until federal immigration enforcement is restored, states like Florida must fill the vacuum to protect their citizens.

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