Dyslexia and the
Driving Test (UK).

Full Details Provided by the British Dyslexia Association

Independent Driving Section

Following discussions between the BDA and the DSA, examiners will offer adjustments to dyslexic candidates. These will depend on the particular difficulties the dyslexic person has, as all are different. So examiners will be asking the candidate what adjustments they require. These will include:

* Asking the person’s preference for verbal directions or for following signs during the independent driving section.
* Showing a simple diagram before the independent driving section; this will be reproduced on cream vellum paper which cuts down on visual distraction.
* If helpful, adding visual clues to the diagram, such as a supermarket or petrol station on route, or telling the candidate the number of the exit point on roundabouts (for example, ‘It’s the third exit’).
* Using landmarks such as ‘take the first left, it’s just past the cinema’.
* Continuing to give directions singly throughout the driving test, and for the independent driving section, giving no more than two directions at a time.
* Adapting directions from right and left to ‘your side, my side’ or whatever system the candidate prefers.

Examiners are there to assess the person’s ability to drive safely – not their ability to remember directions. If the candidate needs to check with the examiner that they are going the right way, they can do so.

Examiners ask all candidates if they would like to take their driving instructor, or the person who has accompanied them, with them on their driving test. For someone with dyslexia it may really help having someone there in the car to calm their nerves (dyslexic difficulties can become very pronounced under stress).

DSA has confirmed that driving examiners conduct thousands of driving tests every year and are very experienced and skilled in dealing with candidates with all sorts of special needs. They are also very aware that people can be nervous and will make every effort to put all candidates at ease.

Booking a test.

The quickest way to make a test appointment is to ring the DSA between 8am and 6pm weekdays and pay by credit or debit card. Application forms can be posted with cheque or postal order payment. The Theory Test must be passed before the Practical Test can be taken. (See DSA contact details.)

The Driving Theory test.

Tests are delivered using a touch screen computer. Candidates sit at individual booths.

The 35 questions appear one at a time on a computer screen and candidates select their multiple choice answers by touching the screen.

Candidates can also work through a practice session for up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting their test.

We recommend that you take full advantage of the practice session.

During the test, the screen shows which of the 35 questions you are doing, and how much time you have remaining. You can change your answers.

A review screen tells you how many questions you have completed, any incomplete answers (i.e. not enough choices marked) and which questions you have 'flagged' to return to later.

Candidates receive their test results, and feedback information about errors within 30 minutes of finishing the test.

Hazard perception test.

Candidates are shown a number of moving video clips filmed from a car.

Each clip; contains one or more developing hazards.

Candidates are asked to indicate as soon as they see a hazard developing which may result in the driver taking some action, such as changing speed or direction.

The sooner a response is made the higher the score.

Special arrangements.

The system has the option for dyslexic candidates to listen to the test being read in English through a headset.

Dyslexic candidates can apply to have up to double the standard 40 minutes time to complete the test.

You need to ask when you apply for the test.

A letter or report from a professional should explain your reading ability, i.e. a teacher, a psychologist, or Local Dyslexia Association officer.

You will have to phone again for a test date after the report has been processed.

Dyslexic drivers.

It takes some dyslexics longer to develop automaticity in tasks such as driving.

They may have to concentrate harder.

They may not be able to talk with a passenger at the same time as driving.

If dyslexic drivers have difficulty remembering left and right, they can ask the practical tester to point out the direction.

Resources and contacts.

• The Official Theory Test CD-ROM. The CD-ROMs contains the official question bank and uses screen layouts which look similar to those used in the actual test.
  
  
• Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online Mock Theory Tests. The questions cover a variety of topics relating to road safety. As in the real test, these tests use a mix of 35 questions drawn from all sections of the question bank to test your knowledge.
  
  
• The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers. This is the only official theory test book for car drivers. It contains everything the learner driver needs to study.
  
  
• Road code. A Highway Code for Younger Road Users has been written with the needs of young people in mind, and contains the latest and best guidance on cycling proficiency, the GREEN CROSS CODE and general "ROAD-CODE".
  
  
• Highway Code. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. Its rules apply to all road users: pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists as well as motorcyclists and drivers.

Contact details.

Theory Test Booking Line and CD-ROM. Tel: 0870 010 1372.

All details: www.dsa.gov.uk.

Books from The Stationery Offices, high street shops and online.

With thanks to the British Dyslexia Association.