How do candidates with special needs take the theory test?
We are committed to equal opportunities for all. We provide a number of facilities for candidates with special needs or physical disabilities.
The following accommodations are available for candidates with special needs.
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Facilities for those whose first language is not English:
If your first language is not English, or you can not read or understand written English well, you can request a voiceover in one of 21 languages. A voiceover allows you to hear the theory test instructions and questions through headphones. The questions will automatically be read out to you, you can hear the answer options by touching the text on the screen. You can hear the questions as many times as you like, you simply need to touch the text of the question onscreen again.
These languages are:
English, Welsh, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujurati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu
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If there is no voiceover provided in the language you require, you can request to have a translator assisted theory test. The call centre agent should be able to tell you the names and contact details of the relevant DVTA approved translators. It is your responsibility to arrange a test date with the translator and to pay any fees involved.
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If you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties you can ask for an English voiceover. You can also request to have up to double time for the multiple choice part of the theory test. If you require more than the standard time of 40 minutes for the multiple choice part you will need to send in evidence of your reading difficulty to the theory test booking customer services.
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If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties you can ask to take the theory test in British sign language (BSL). The BSL interpretation will run alongside the standard test questions and answers. If you do not use BSL, an interpreter can be taken into the test centre, this facility needs to be arranged through the theory test customer services section. There is no extra fee for either facility.
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If you have a special need that is not met by the facilities above, you can contact the theory test customer services section who can discuss your requirements and the facilities available.
All of the accommodations above need to be requested at the time of booking. Please let us know about the following:
- If you need to bring a signer or lip speaker with you, if you do not use BSL.
- If you are dyslexic or have reading difficulties and need:
- extra time to take the multiple-choice part of the test.
- If you do not read or understand English and need:
- an audio version of the test in one of 20 languages, or you want to take your test in your first language; or
- to bring a DVTA-approved translator with you, if we cannot provide an audio version of the test in your language
If we cannot provide what you need immediately, our customer service representative will call you back to book your test. The system allows you to give us the following details so we can call you back.
- Your name
- Your phone number
- Your driving licence number
- Brief details of your request
- Your preferred date and time to receive a call.
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Special Needs