If you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition

When you book your theory test you should say if you have a:

  • reading difficulty
  • disability
  • health condition

You have reading difficulties

You can ask to hear the test through headphones when you book your test. You can hear it in English or Welsh.

You can listen to the questions and possible answers as many times as you need to.

Other types of support

You can get other support during your theory test if you send proof that you have reading difficulties.

You will be told how to send proof when you book your theory test.

This can be an email, letter or report from:

  • a teacher or other educational professional
  • a doctor or medical professional
  • an occupational therapist
  • an online dyslexia screening product

You can get:

  • extra time to take the test
  • someone to read what’s on the screen and record your answers
  • someone to reword the questions for you

If the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) agrees you need extra support, they will:

  • select the best type of support for you when you book your theory test
  • tell you what you need to do next

Extra time to take the test

You can ask for more time to do the multiple choice questions part of the theory test.

Reading what’s on the screen and recording your answers

A member of staff at the test centre can read out the instructions and questions on the screen.

They can also record your answers to the multiple-choice questions.

This can be done by either:

  • listening to the member of staff through headphones while they’re in another room - they’ll be able to see what’s on your screen
  • the member of staff sitting near you in the test room

Rewording the questions for you

You can ask for a member of staff to reword the theory test questions to make them easier for you to understand.

The person cannot change the technical language that you need to know. But they can change the order of the sentence and other non-technical words and phrases.

You still need to answer each question yourself.

You’re deaf or have a hearing impairment

You can take the theory test in British Sign Language (BSL) if you’re deaf or have a hearing impairment.

A BSL video appears on the screen next to the questions and answers.

Take a BSL interpreter

You can have a BSL interpreter with you during the test.

Tell DVSA you need this support when you book your theory test. You will not be charged an extra fee.

Hearing loop and lip speakers

You can arrange to:

  • have a lip speaker with you during the test - you will not be charged an extra fee
  • use a listening aid (hearing loop)

Tell DVSA you need this support when you book your theory test.

Other disabilities or health conditions

Contact DVSA to discuss any other disability or health condition before you book your test.

DVSA theory test enquiries
theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules
  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses