The Manatee Literacy Council is offering a free virtual class to help Spanish-speaking adults prepare for Florida driver's license testing following a statewide change requiring exams to be administered in English.
Florida began administering driver license knowledge and skills examinations exclusively in English on Feb. 6, 2026. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles policy applies to all license classifications and does not allow translation services during the exams.
Florida Statute 322.12 requires applicants for an original driver's license to pass required examinations, including testing on highway signs and traffic laws and, for applicable licenses, demonstrating the ability to operate a vehicle. The statute itself does not specify that the exams must be given only in English; the English-only requirement was implemented by FLHSMV as a statewide testing policy.
The Manatee Literacy Council’s English for Driving program is designed to build English skills and help adults prepare for the exam. It is not a driving school and does not provide driving instruction.
The virtual class is free. For information, contact the Manatee Literacy Council at 941-746-8197 or visit manatee-literacy.org.
