8. Candidates with a disability, health condition or learning difficulty
Guidance for driving examiners on candidates with a disability, health condition or learning difficulty.
In common with other applicants for driving licences, those who are physically disabled have to take a test of competence to drive. The test requirements are generally the same as for non-disabled candidates, and the same test documents are used. In addition, the examiner must complete a report on form D255.
Where a candidate has a disability or special need, examiners should, wherever possible, adapt their approach to accommodate the candidate and accept any coping strategies used, providing the test is not undermined.
If the examiner notices during the test that the candidate may suffer from some restriction of movement which could be classed as a disability, make discreet enquiries at an appropriate opportunity.
In the case of physically disabled persons, examiners should:
- enquire about any adaptation(s) fitted to the vehicle
- ask how they operate in relation to the disability
This information should be recorded in detail in the appropriate box on the Digital Test Report and the D255.
The only cases where a restriction, other than the appropriate category letter, may be indicated on a pass certificate are those of candidates with a physical disability, which affects their ability to drive. Restrictions must not be related to a specific make of vehicle or machine, or to horse-power, cubic capacity, or un-laden weight.
More than one test period is normally allocated for an L test for a disabled person because of the extra documentation involved. Extra time can be allowed for candidates who are deaf without speech or who have declared a severe degree of deafness.
If a candidate in one of these categories fails to declare their disability when applying for the test, only one period will have been allowed. The test should, however, be conducted, the documentation being left for completion later in the day if necessary.
Where a disability or special need is declared or is apparent, and providing the test is not undermined, examiners should, wherever possible, adapt their approach to accommodate the candidate and acknowledge any coping strategies used. Please see the chapter on General Matters, Independent Drive Section for full explanation.
If the examiner is satisfied that the candidate is competent to drive all un-adapted vehicles in the category on which they were tested, and in any additional categories covered, a normal pass certificate for the category should be issued.
If the examiner considers that the candidate can drive un-adapted vehicles only of the category on which they were tested, but not the additional categories covered, then the pass certificate should be issued for that category (for example category B) and the D255 should indicate that the candidate should be restricted to category B vehicles.
If the examiner considers the candidate can drive only a vehicle with suitable adaptations, this should be indicated on the pass certificate. The appropriate restriction code (listed below) should be entered on the DVSA10.
Generally, the candidate should be given the result of the test, and be given an oral explanation of faults in the usual way. The examiner should not make any remarks, or enter into any discussion, about the candidate’s licensing entitlement. However, if the examiner thinks some, or further, adaptation of the vehicle might enable the candidate to pass the test, they may give a general indication to that effect.
If a candidate asks for advice as to the precise manner in which they should adapt the vehicle, they should be referred to The Forum of Mobility Centres.
Website: www.mobility-centres.org.uk
Code:
10 – Modified transmission:
- automatic selection of gear ratio
- adapted transmission control device (e.g., a button selector for moving up and down the gear range)
Note: Code 10 should be applied rather than code 78 when the driver needs automatic selection of gear ratio/modified transmission. Code 78 would be applied as an administrative code if the driver simply passed their test in an automatic rather than in a manual car.
15 – Modified clutch:
- adapted clutch, for example, a hand lever on the gearstick
20 – Modified braking systems:
- adapted, sliding or tilted brake pedal
- brake pedal suitable for use by left foot
- hand or knee operated brake
- adapted parking brake
- brake system operation supported by external force
25 – Modified accelerator systems:
- adapted or tilted accelerator pedal
- hand or knee operated accelerator
- accelerator pedal on the left
- accelerator operation supported by external force
31 – Pedal adaptations and pedal safeguards:
- extra set of parallel pedals (extension pedals)
- pedals at (or almost at) the same level
- any measure to prevent obstruction or actuation of accelerator and brake pedals when pedals not operated by foot (pedal guards)
32 – Combined service brake and accelerator systems:
- combined accelerator and service brake system operated by one hand
- combined accelerator and service brake system operated by external force (e.g., an electric gas & brake system – EGB)
Note: When there is a need for hand controls, if there is no restriction in the movement of the upper limbs, code 20 and 25 should be chosen rather than code 32 for combined braking and accelerator controls. This will then not limit them to a combined adaptation in the future – their need is for an adapted accelerator control and an adapted braking control, not for a combination of the two.
33 – Combined service brake, accelerator and steering system:
- combined accelerator, service brake, and steering system operated by external force with one hand (e.g., a four-way joystick)
- combined accelerator, service brake, and steering system operated by external force with two hands (e.g., a tiller steering system with integral accelerator and braking system)
35 – Modified control layouts (light switches, windscreen wiper, washer, horn, indicators):
- control devices operable without releasing the steering device
- control devices operable without releasing the steering device with the left hand
- control devices operable without releasing the steering device with the right hand
- control devices operable without releasing the steering device and the accelerator and braking mechanisms
40 – Modified steering:
- adapted steering wheel, for example, reduced in diameter or larger or thicker steering wheel section
- adapted position of the steering wheel
- foot operating steering
- one hand or arm operated alternative adapted steering system (e.g., steering ball or other type of steering device)
- two hand or arm operated alternative adapted steering system
42 – Modified rear-view mirror(s) or devices:
- adapted mirror(s) or device for rear view
- additional inside device permitting side view
- blind spot viewing device
43 – Modified driver seat:
- driver seat height for normal view and in normal distance from the steering wheel and the pedals
- driver seat adapted to body shape or seat with lateral support for good stability
- driver seat with armrest
- seat belt with adaptation or with support for good sitting stability
A report form D255 must be completed in all cases, pass or fail, where a candidate has a disability, declared or undeclared, with adaptations fitted to their vehicle or fails the eyesight test.
In completing the form D255, the use of the boxes is self-evident. In addition, it will be necessary for examiners to observe the instructions below:
Note: In all cases the eyesight section of the D255 must be completed and not lined through. (With the exception of vocational tests)
Box 5
This is split into 4 sections as follows.
Do you consider that the candidate should drive vehicles with adaptations and/or automatic transmission to overcome the effects of the disability?
The examiner should briefly describe the adaptations fitted if the answer is yes. Where appropriate, describe the type of adaptation(s) considered necessary, e.g., “ball fixed to steering wheel, hand operated clutch”, etc.
Did the adaptations and/or automatic transmission overcome the effects of the disability?
The examiner should briefly give reasons if the answer is no.
Did the test show that the candidate would be unsafe as a driver of any kind of vehicle
Drivers Medical Branch (DMB) is seeking information here about whether the examiner considers the candidate would be unsafe to drive/ride vehicles of any kind. It is unlikely that someone who failed because adaptations to their vehicle were unsuitable or non-existent would warrant a ‘YES’ under this heading.
Note: Examiners should be aware that if they report the candidate would be unsafe as a driver of any kind of vehicle, DVLA will revoke (or refuse) a licence.
Do you have any other comments including likely effect of the disability on driving vehicles in other categories?
Particular attention should be given to the candidate’s ability to drive/ride vehicles in other categories. Comments should be made here to indicate whether the candidate’s disability would affect their ability to drive/ride other vehicles safely. The examiner should briefly describe the adaptations fitted.
Emailing form D255
The original copy D255 should be emailed on the day of the test to DVLA. Once the D255 has been successfully sent to DVLA, there is no need to retain a copy locally.
Extra-large or extra small stature is not of itself a disability and examiners should not normally restrict a pass certificate on those grounds, nor complete a D255. However, there may be cases where restricted or abnormal growth could be said to amount to a disability, in that it could have an effect on the candidate’s driving ability. If the controls of the candidate’s vehicle have been adapted in any way to overcome this disability, then the appropriate code should be entered on the DVSA10.
In such cases, a description of the candidate’s build, giving some indication of size, approximate height, and whether build appears to be in proportion, should be given on the Digital Test Report and a D255 should be completed.
The examiner should agree with the candidate and the person that has been delivering their training, how instructions about the route and manoeuvres are to be given. This could be done in writing or, if the candidate is accompanied by a signer, through them. The signer may be the ADI or accompanying driver. Examiners may use the Deaf Candidate Support Pack as part of making reasonable adjustments to help overcome a disability. The key is to help communicate with deaf candidates and to ensure the examiner’s directions and instructions are clear.
If the booking section knows that the candidate is profoundly deaf in both ears, 2 periods will be allocated for the test.
If a candidate reports for test with a hearing problem, which was not declared on their application, the examiner should ascertain the extent of the deafness and check whether it can be overcome by the radio equipment. If not, the test should be postponed so that it can be re-booked with more time. The procedure of rebooking should be explained to the pupil.
Directions can be given without difficulty, although examiners should bear in mind the possibility that the candidate may not have understood them.
The examiner should conduct the test as far as they reasonably can, resorting to less conventional methods of communication if necessary. The test must not however be distorted to an unacceptable degree to meet the candidate’s needs. If the test cannot be conducted to a standard, which enables the examiner to reach a decision, they should terminate the test and make a report to the LDTM for onward transmission to the ODM.
For example, autism, Aspergers, sensory processing disorder (SPD).
These cognitive disorders can present themselves in a wide range of traits. The most common of these are difficulty with communication, anxiety, and sensory overload. Where a spectrum condition is declared or is apparent, and providing the test is not undermined, examiners should, wherever possible, adapt their approach to accommodate the candidate. An examiner may wish to consider communicating with the candidate in a quieter environment and giving them plenty of time to respond. Consider asking the candidate if they would prefer not to talk during the test as this could prove distracting and could even be interpreted by the candidate as being part of the test. The examiner should consider checking several times through the test that the candidate is keeping up with the information being given. When communicating, try to be clear and concise. Any specific information provided on the journal should be taken into account and wherever possible, reasonable adjustments should be made.
Many people on the spectrum that have SPD have heightened use of senses. This can create a sensory overload that may cause additional distractions and anxiety for the candidate. Therefore, consider avoiding routes where building or roadworks are taking place and routes that are known for low sun. If you see on the following day’s journal that you have a candidate on the spectrum or with an SPD, consider trying to avoid bright clothing and accessories and wear a more subtle fragrance.
A candidate with a declared spectrum condition may need very little adjustment, so it’s important for an examiner to assess every candidate on an individual basis and conduct the test in whichever way they best see fit.
Occasionally Drivers Medical Group (DMG) may require a disabled driver to take a driving appraisal even though they already hold, or have held, a full licence. This may be done when a driver has become disabled since the full licence was issued, or when a previously disclosed disability has become more acute. The test is to help medical advisers in assessing the driver’s licensing entitlement.
DVLA will email Medical Referrals with the candidate’s information.
ROS will contact an appropriate LDTM to request a time and date for the appraisal. LDTM will contact the candidate to arrange a mutually suitable appointment. The candidate should be given 3 weeks’ notice to allow them to prepare and seek development. However, the appointment needs to be made within a maximum 8-week target date, from initial notification to ROS.
You should allow a 1.5-hour slot to conduct the appraisal and complete the paperwork.
On completion of the appraisal, the bottom copy and the guidance notes should be given to the candidate. Retain the top copy for completion of the report write-up. Both sides of the report should be emailed to DVLA at eftd@dvla.gov.uk and to medical.referrals@dvsa.gov.uk with the result of the appraisal. Further guidance can be found in the DVLA Medical Appraisal SOP.
Candidates are not allowed to use foreign language interpreters on their test.
A special needs interpreter may accompany deaf and/ or deaf without speech candidates for tests conducted in English or Welsh only. The interpreter must be at least 16 years of age. In such cases a car should be used for the module 2 test.
An English or Welsh only speaking special needs interpreter is allowed on to the motorcycle manoeuvring area but must wear a reflective waistcoat. (Spare Hi viz waistcoats held at the test centre should be made available if required).
If a special needs interpreter turns up unannounced and a car is not available, then the test should be postponed.
Licence Restriction Codes
Codes :
- 44 (1) Single operated brake
- 44 (2) Adjusted hand operated brake (front wheel)
- 44 (3) Adjusted foot operated brake (back wheel)
- 44 (4) Adjusted accelerator handle
- 44 (5) Adjusted manual transmission and manual clutch
- 44 (6) Adjusted rear-view mirror(s)
- 44 (7) Adjusted commands (direction indicators, braking light, etc.)
- 44 (8) Seat height allowing the rider, in sitting position, to have two feet on the road at the same time
- 44 (11) Adapted footrest
- 44 (12) Adapted hand grip
- 45 Motorcycle only with sidecar
- 46 Motor-tricycle
- 78 – Automatic transmission
- Use this code if the vehicle has no clutch pedal.
Important Note: Once the codes have been added to a licence, a driver/rider will no longer have entitlement to drive/ride vehicles/machines without these adaptations and they will be breaking the law if they do. In the future, if there is a change to the adaptations they need, they must inform DVLA. If an individual who passed their test with adaptations wishes to remove their adaptations, then they have to re-take their test.
Examiners should take any special needs the candidate might have in to account and adopt a flexible approach to make reasonable adjustment to the way the test is conducted. This may include adapting the way a particular exercise is carried out or allowing a different vehicle to be used, including one with an e-clutch mechanism or other adaption.
Any questions related to this topic should be directed to technicalstandards@dvsa.gov.uk
If direction indicators are fitted to a machine ridden by a candidate who cannot give arm signals, they must be regarded as a necessary adaptation to the machine.
Reasonable adjustments can be made to the motorcycle test. This will depend on the nature of a rider’s disability. Advice should be sought from Technical Standards for any unusual cases.
A disabled motorcyclist who cannot take direct rear observation, but otherwise meets the test requirements may be granted a pass certificate to ride a category A or AM machine; “with suitably positioned mirrors” (Restriction code 42).
A motorcyclist can be restricted to riding a combination machine if the examiner is not satisfied that they are capable of riding a solo machine safely. The appropriate category letter and disability code should be entered on the DVSA10, and the D255 should indicate that the candidate should be restricted to riding machines with sidecars.
These vehicles used by candidates with a physical disability are not required to carry out the manual handling exercises or avoidance exercise; they are required to carry out the first circuit bend and the controlled stop in addition to the emergency stop exercise. Additional time should be allowed for this test to be conducted.
The decision on whether to use a left or right circuit should be based on the characteristics of the machine, generally if a sidecar is positioned on the left of the machine a right-handed circuit should be used and vice versa.
The examiner should remove cones number two and four from the slalom exercise to account for the increased turning circle of combination units, there should normally be no need to alter the two cones used for the figure of eight exercise. The width between the cones associated with the speed measuring device and the width of the controlled stopping box should be increased to 1 ½ times the width of the outfit.
The U turn may be carried out from either left to right or right to left side of the area, depending on the configuration of the combination unit some cones may need to be repositioned to take into account the increased turning circle of combination units only.
EU Codes:
- 45 motorcycle only with sidecar
- 125 motor-tricycle
In the case of deaf candidates or those with a hearing defect that would make radio communication impractical, the examiner should give directions on route with the aid of a diagram or map, taking into account the candidate’s local knowledge of the area. Care should be taken to ensure that the distance between briefing points is not too long, nor the directions too complicated.
LGV and PCV deaf and without speech candidates
In view of the recommendations about the medical fitness of LGV/ PCV drivers, it is very unlikely that an LGV/PCV test candidate would be deaf and/or deaf without speech. If such a candidate does attend for a test, the examiner should conduct the test and forward a note about the candidate’s condition to the LDTM for sending to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea.
CPC (Module 4) - making reasonable adjustments
Due to the higher medical standard required for vocational licensing, it is unlikely you may encounter someone with a severe disability. You may find the candidate has some degree of restricted movement or declare special needs. There is no need to complete a D255, but it may be beneficial to make some discreet enquiries to ascertain how the candidate’s circumstances may affect their ability to complete the test in the same way as a non-disabled driver.
Careful observation of the candidate may show the need to make reasonable adjustments.
For example, it is not considered acceptable for a non-disabled person to enter or exit an LGV cab without applying the safety technique of “three points of contact.” However, a person with only one hand would clearly not be able to do this, but provided they make every effort to get in and out competently, this should be accepted. It is important, therefore, that the examiner or assessor exercises considered judgment in these exceptional circumstances and does not fail someone who can evidence ability to “do the job.”