Extra assistance with Driving Theory Test

Drivers with Special Requirements

Sally’s Driving Instructors are available to advise special needs drivers regarding any help they might require. Below are some of the commonly requested services offered by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Facilities are available from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for those people with special needs, including foreign language, voice over, translator assisted tests, extra time, and British Sign Language interpretation. When booking your theory test you may need to request some of the following facilities that are available for candidates with special needs:

Language Voice-overs

Voice-overs are available in a number of languages if you have difficulty reading or understanding English. The voice-over allows you to hear through headphones in your own language. The questions will automatically be read out to you. By touching the text on the computer screen, you can hear the answers as many times as you like. Foreign Language Voice-overs are currently available in the following:
Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu, Welsh

Translator Assisted Theory Test

You can request to have a translator assist you during your theory test if a voice-over is unavailable in the language you require. A list of Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approved translators can be provided by contacting the DVSA Special Needs Department.

It is your responsibility to arrange a theory test date with your chosen translator and to pay any fees involved.

Reading Difficulties

You can ask for an English or Welsh voice-over if you have a reading difficulty. You can also request to have extra time for the multiple choice part of the  driving theory test. You will need to provide evidence of your reading difficulty to the DVSA. Your Sally’s driving instructor can help you with this.

Hearing Difficulties

If you have a hearing difficulty you can request to take the driving theory test in British Sign Language (BSL). For other sign languages an interpreter can be taken into the theory test centre by prior arrangement with the DVSA.

Special Needs and the Practical Driving Test

If you have a special need or disability you should let the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) know at the time of booking your practical test. For example:

All candidates are expected to reach a minimum level of control and road safety to pass the practical driving test no matter how serious their disability. However, having a special need gives you extra test time allowing the examiner to evaluate your requirements.

Using an interpreter

You may bring your own interpreter during your driving lessons with Sally’s and also to the practical test as long as they are:

You are responsible for organising the interpreter and for paying any necessary fees.