You can take Florida's written knowledge test in Spanish, but only at certain locations and with advance notice
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) offers the written knowledge test in Spanish at select driver license offices. You cannot walk in and request a Spanish test on the same day — you must call ahead and schedule it, and not all offices provide this service. The test covers the same road rules and traffic laws as the English version, and you must still pass with a score of 80 percent or higher.
The Spanish test is available only at offices that have staff trained to administer it. Availability varies by county and by individual office location. Before you go to any office, you need to confirm that the specific location you plan to visit offers Spanish testing and that they have an appointment slot available for you.
Key Takeaways
- Not all Florida driver license offices offer the Spanish test, so you must call ahead to find a location that does and schedule an appointment.
- The Spanish test covers identical material to the English test and requires the same 80 percent passing score.
- You will need to bring the same documents to your appointment whether you test in Spanish or English — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- The test is administered on a computer at the office, and results are available when ready after you finish.
How to find a Florida office that offers Spanish testing
Start by calling the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-FLHWY (1-844-352-3549). Tell them you need to take the written knowledge test in Spanish and ask which offices in your county or nearby counties offer that service. They can give you the phone numbers for those specific offices.
Once you have the phone number of an office that offers Spanish testing, call that office directly to schedule your appointment. Do not straightforward show up — offices that provide Spanish testing often have limited staff or specific time slots reserved for it. The office staff will tell you what days and times Spanish tests are available and will hold a slot for you once you book.
If you live in a rural area or a county with very few driver license offices, the nearest Spanish testing location may be in a neighboring county. Ask the DHSMV customer service line how far you would need to travel, and whether any offices offer online or mail-in scheduling for Spanish test appointments.
What documents you need to bring to your Spanish test appointment
Bring the same documents you would bring for an English test. You need one document that proves your identity — a passport, a birth certificate, a foreign national ID, or a military ID card. You also need one document that proves your current Florida address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
You must also provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the card or letter that shows your number.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your process before you take the test.
How the Spanish test works at the office
When you arrive for your appointment, the office staff will check your documents and have you fill out the Florida Driver License process (Form HSMV 82053). You will then sit at a computer terminal and take the written test on screen. The test is 50 questions, and you have 1 hour to complete it.
The computer will show you each question one at a time. You read the question in Spanish, select your answer from four choices, and move to the next question. You cannot go back to change an answer once you have moved forward, so read each question carefully before you select.
As soon as you finish the test, the computer scores it and displays your result on the screen. If you pass (80 percent or higher), you will receive a printed score report. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test appointment, but you must wait at least one day before retaking it.
What the Spanish test covers
The Spanish test asks about the same topics as the English test: traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, safe driving practices, parking rules, and Florida traffic laws. All questions are translated directly from the English version, so the content is identical.
The test includes questions about pedestrian safety, bicycle laws, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. It also covers rules about following distance, turning, lane changes, and driving in bad weather. Some questions ask what you should do if you are pulled over by a police officer or if you are in an accident.
You can study for the Spanish test using the same study materials as English speakers. The DHSMV provides a free study guide called the Florida Driver Handbook, which is available in Spanish on the DHSMV website. You can also find Spanish-language practice tests online through the official DHSMV site.
Scheduling and rescheduling your appointment
When you call the office to schedule, have your name, date of birth, and phone number ready. The staff will ask you what date and time work best for you and will confirm the appointment. Write down the date, time, and office address, and ask the staff member to repeat it back to you to make sure you have it correct.
If you need to reschedule or cancel, call the same office as soon as possible. Do not straightforward miss your appointment — if you do, you may have to wait longer to get another slot. Some offices allow you to reschedule online through the DHSMV website, but calling is usually faster for Spanish test appointments.
Arrive at least 10 minutes early on the day of your test. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the office may cancel your appointment and you will have to reschedule.
What happens after you pass the Spanish test
Once you pass the written test, you are cleared to take the driving skills test (the road test). You will need to schedule that separately at a DHSMV office. The driving skills test is not available in Spanish — the examiner will speak to you in English during the test, though you can bring an interpreter if you need one (check with your local office about their interpreter policy first).
After you pass both the written test and the driving skills test, you can explore for your Florida driver license. You will return to the driver license office, pay the license fee, have your photo taken, and receive your license on the same day or by mail within a few weeks, depending on the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in Spanish if I am renewing my license?
No. The written knowledge test is only for people getting a driver license for the first time or after a suspension or revocation. If you are renewing an existing license, you do not take the written test. You only need to pass a vision test and pay the renewal fee.
What if the nearest Spanish test location is too far away?
Call the DHSMV customer service line and explain your situation. In some cases, they may be able to arrange testing at a different location or provide information about traveling to a nearby county. You can also ask whether any offices offer the test by video appointment, though this is not yet available at all locations.
Can I bring someone to help me understand the test questions?
No. You cannot bring a translator or helper into the testing room. The test must be taken alone. However, if you have a documented disability that affects your ability to read or understand written Spanish, you may be able to request accommodations — call the DHSMV to ask about this before your appointment.
What if I fail the Spanish test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. Call the same office to schedule your next appointment. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time you retake it.
Is the Spanish test harder than the English test?
No. The Spanish test is a direct translation of the English test, so the difficulty is the same. The passing score is also the same — 80 percent. Your score depends on how well you know Florida traffic laws, not on which language you take the test in.