Driving_test

Most people view learning to drive as a rite of passage, providing the keys to unlock their freedom. I think I can speak for most when I say learning to drive can be a daunting experience and having a learning difference like dyslexia can make the process all the more painful; but, it doesn’t have to be that way. The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have put some reasonable adjustments in place to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.

Voice Over

This feature enables you to hear instructions or sets of questions as spoken words. Ideally this feature should be requested when you book your test online, however, the software should be installed on every test centre computer, so you should be able to request this feature on the day of your test.

Useful for?

Anyone that struggles reading written English.

Evidence needed for adjustment:

No evidence is needed to use Voice Over, it can be requested by anyone that feels they would benefit from using it.

Extra time

If Voice Over isn’t for you but you still feel you may find the reading part of the exam a little difficult, you can apply for Extra Time to make the multiple-choice part of the exam a little less daunting.

Useful for?

Anyone who struggles reading written English or has a slower reading speed.

Evidence needed for adjustment:

Evidence of your difficulties is required from either; a medical or educational professional or someone independent who knows about your reading difficulty, such as your employer.

You can apply for the adjustment by sending a letter. The letter should give details of your need for extra time and be written on letterheaded paper, either stamped or signed and dated.

You can email your evidence to customercare@pearson.com or email it to the postal address at the bottom of the page.

A Human Reader

If a Human Reader may be more appropriate for your specific needs, this is also an adjustment that can be requested. This adjustment will place you and your human reader in a separate room from the rest of the driving students. Because of this, at smaller test centres where there is limited space, you may find fewer test slots available.

Useful for?

Anyone that uses a human reader as their normal way of working within education and the workplace.

Evidence needed for adjustment:

Evidence of your need for a Human Reader must be supplied by either; a medical or educational professional or, someone independent who knows about your need for a Human Reader, such as your employer.

Evidence can be submitted in the form of a letter. This letter should specify your need for a Human Reader and be written on letterheaded paper, either stamped or signed and dated.

You can email your evidence to customercare@pearson.com or email it to the postal address at the bottom of the page.

A Recorder

A Recorder can be useful if you have mobility or coordination issues. A Recorder is a member of staff that will physically move and click the mouse for you to select your answers during the multiple-choice part of the test. A recorder will not explain or clarify questions for you, neither will they be able to assists you during the hazard perception part of the test.

Useful for?

Anyone with dyspraxia or mobility issues.

Evidence needed for adjustment:

Evidence of your need for a Recorder is required in the form of a letter from either; a medical or educational professional or alternatively, someone independent who knows about your need for a Recorder, such as your employer.

Evidence can be in the form of a letter. This letter should give details of your need and be written on letterheaded paper, either stamped or signed and dated.

You can email your evidence to customercare@pearson.com or email it to the postal address at the bottom of the page.

Coloured Overlays

If you are affected by Visual Stress (Irlen Mears Syndrome) you are allowed to use a physical colour overlay (which you must provide) to place over the screen of your workstation.

Useful for?

Anyone that is affected by Visual Stress (Irlen Mears Syndrome)

Evidence needed for adjustment:

The coloured overlay will need to be inspected by Test Centre staff before you can use it, so best practice would be to inform your test centre in advance of the test.

If you wish to apply for adjustments via post, documents and letters should be sent to:

DVSA Theory Test Enquirie, PO Box 128, Warrington, WA1 9GN