Florida Class E knowledge exam (2026): English-only testing, 50 questions, TLSAE course and new-resident rules

Florida changed its testing rules in 2026: since February 6, all driver license knowledge and skills exams are in English only, and interpreters are no longer allowed. Here is what the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) says about the Class E exam, the TLSAE course, where you can test, the road test and how newcomers with other licenses are treated.

1. English only since February 2026

FLHSMV announced on January 30, 2026 that starting Friday, February 6, all driver license knowledge and skills exams are administered exclusively in English, for every license class and including exams given orally. Before that, most non-commercial knowledge exams were offered in several languages. Translation services are no longer permitted for either exam, and printed exams in other languages were withdrawn. The Class E exam page now states: “Class E knowledge examinations are available in English only.”

If English is your second language, read the Official Florida Driver License Handbook in English, keep a glossary of traffic terms, and practice with English questions until the wording feels routine.

Free DMV practice test (328 questions) Our own original questions written from the California Driver Handbook. Signs, right-of-way and following-distance rules carry over to most states; check your state handbook for state-specific numbers.

2. 50 questions, 40 to pass

The Class E knowledge exam has 50 multiple-choice questions on Florida traffic laws, safe driving practices and identifying traffic controls. You must answer 40 of 50 correctly (80%). FLHSMV recommends studying the official handbook and taking its Class E practice test.

3. Who needs the TLSAE course

Applicants who have never been issued a driver license in any state or country must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course from an FLHSMV-approved provider (classroom or online) before applying. Approved high school driver education (DELAP) can satisfy it. If you already hold a license elsewhere, what you must do depends on that license; see section 6.

4. Where you can take the knowledge exam

• At a driver license service center.
• Online through an approved third-party administrator, for applicants under 18 only; a Parent Proctoring Form, notarized or signed before an examiner, is required.
• Through DELAP at participating high schools.

Under Florida Statutes §322.56(3)(b) and (e), people who pass through a third-party administrator may be randomly selected for a free, unannounced re-test at an office; failing it means a re-exam fee at the next attempt.

5. The driving skills test

To take it you must have held a learner’s license for 12 months or be 18. The test car must be registered, insured and pass the examiner’s safety check (horn, mirrors, signals, brakes, tires, lights, wipers, doors and more). No passengers are allowed. Maneuvers include a three-point turn, yielding right-of-way, straight-in parking, parking on a grade, a quick stop, backing 50 feet without using the mirror or camera, obeying signs and signals, and keeping at least a four-second following distance.

6. New residents and other licenses

• New residents must obtain a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency (for example, taking a job, enrolling children in public school, registering to vote, filing for homestead, or living in Florida more than six consecutive months).
• Valid out-of-state US license: knowledge and road tests are generally waived; a vision test is required and the old license is surrendered.
• Foreign reciprocity (Florida handbook): Canada, France, Germany (road test only), Taiwan and South Korea, plus US states, territories and the US military.
• Other foreign licenses may require TLSAE, the knowledge exam and/or the road test; FLHSMV’s FAQ and the examiner decide.

Short-term visitors can drive on a valid home-country license under the conditions in the handbook; an International Driving Permit is recommended. See Driving in the US with a foreign license.

7. Insurance comes first in Florida

FLHSMV’s new-resident page says you must get Florida insurance from a Florida-licensed agent within 10 days of establishing residency before you can title and register your vehicle. The road-test car also needs valid insurance and registration.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the Florida driver license test in Spanish or another language?

No. Since February 6, 2026, FLHSMV gives all driver license knowledge and skills exams in English only, and interpreters or translation services are not permitted.

How many questions are on the Florida Class E knowledge exam?

50 multiple-choice questions. You need 40 correct (80%) to pass.

Do I need the TLSAE course in Florida?

Yes, if you have never been issued a driver license in any state or country. If you hold a license from elsewhere, what is required depends on whether that license is covered by Florida’s reciprocity rules.

Can I exchange a foreign license in Florida?

Only licenses from reciprocity jurisdictions (Canada, France, Germany for the road test only, Taiwan, South Korea) waive tests. Other foreign licenses generally mean TLSAE, the knowledge exam and the road test.