Theory test support for reading difficulties, disabilities and health conditions

Dyslexia, another reading difficulty, a disability or a health condition does not stop you taking the theory test, and the pass mark stays the same. What changes is how the test is presented. The one firm rule is to say what you need when you book, because most support cannot be added at the test centre on the day.

Support at a glance

There is no extra charge for an interpreter or lip speaker.

Voiceover: available to everyone who asks

With voiceover you hear each question and its possible answers through headphones and can listen as many times as you need. You choose English or Welsh. Ask for it during booking; no letter or report is required.

For many candidates with mild dyslexia this is enough. Try it at home first by having someone read practice questions aloud, or by using your device’s screen reader with a free car mock test.

Extra time, a reader or reworded questions

These need proof that you have reading difficulties. DVSA tells you how to send it when you book. It 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

With that evidence, DVSA chooses the support that fits and tells you what happens next. The options are:

• Extra time for the multiple-choice questions.
• A reader and recorder: a member of staff reads out the instructions and questions and enters the answers you give.
• Rewording: a member of staff rephrases a question so it is easier to follow. They can change sentence order and everyday words, but not the technical terms you are expected to know, and you still choose the answer yourself.

Treat the booking as unfinished until the arrangement is confirmed. Turning up and asking for a reader will not work.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing

You can take the test in British Sign Language: a BSL video plays next to each question and its answers. You can instead bring a BSL interpreter, arrange a lip speaker or use a hearing loop. Tell DVSA which you want at booking.

Other disabilities, health conditions and medical devices

For anything not listed, contact DVSA theory test enquiries before you book so the right arrangement can be made.

Medical monitoring devices are a special case. Phones, smartwatches and trackers are banned from the test room, so a device you need for a condition must be approved by DVSA when you book. If you forgot to mention it, cancel with at least three working days’ notice for a refund and book again, answering “yes” when asked whether you need support.

What support does not change

• The questions, topics and pass marks are identical: 43 out of 50 and 44 out of 75.
• The hazard perception part still depends on how early you click. It has no reading in it beyond the instructions, so practise it like any other candidate; see how the hazard perception test is scored.
• You can sit the test only in English, Welsh or BSL. Revision books exist in other languages, but the test does not.

Preparing with your support in mind

Practise the way you will be tested. If you will use voiceover, revise by listening. If you will have extra time, use it to check qualifying words such as first, most and must not instead of changing answers you were sure of. If a reader will record your answers, get used to saying your choice aloud clearly.

The motorcycle theory test offers the same support. DVSA’s current list is on GOV.UK under reading difficulty, disability or health condition. When the support is confirmed, see what the test costs and how to book.