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 Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
Special Needs and the Theory Test
Facilities are available from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) 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 Voiceovers
Voiceovers are available in a number of languages if you have difficulty reading
or understanding English. The voiceover 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 Voiceovers 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
voiceover is unavailable in the language you require. A list of Driving
Standards Agency (DSA) approved translators can be provided by contacting the
DSA Special Needs Department. ### LINK ###.
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 voiceover if you have a reading difficulty.
You can also request to have extra time for the multiple choice part of the
theory test. You will need to provide evidence of your reading difficulty to the
DSA. Your Sally's driving instructor can help you with this.
Hearing Difficulties
If you have a hearing difficulty you can request to take the 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 DSA.
Special Needs and the Practical Driving Test
If you have a special need or disability you should let the Driving Standards
Agency (DSA) know at the time of booking your practical test. For example:
- Physical disability
- Movement restriction
- Hearing problem
- Language difficulty
- Vehicle adaptations fitted
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:
- Not a driving instructor
- Over 16 years of age
You are responsible for organising the interpreter and for paying any necessary fees.
