Everyone deserves a fair chance to learn to drive. If you have a disability, medical condition, or learning difficulty, there are legal accommodations and support options to help. Below is a guide based on official DVSA rules plus tips from my experience as an ADI.
✅ What You Should Do When Booking or Preparing for Your Test
When you book your theory or practical driving test (car, motorcycle, etc.), let the DVSA know if you have:
- Any disability or health condition
- A learning difficulty, reading difficulty, or if you need extra support
You’ll still be expected to meet the same safety and driving standards, but the examiner can make reasonable adjustments to enable you to demonstrate your skills fairly.
⚙️ What Kind of Adjustments Are Available
Here are the types of adjustments you can request depending on your condition:
| Support Type | When It’s Offered | What It Might Include |
|---|---|---|
| More time | For people who need extra time due to disability or reading / processing issues. | For people who need extra time due to disability or reading/processing issues. |
| Alternative directions | If reading or following spoken directions is hard. | Giving directions via road signs instead of sat-nav, using visual aids. |
| Assistive devices or car adaptations | If your condition requires physical adaptations (e.g. hand controls, adapted mirrors). | You may use your own adapted car, show how you use adaptations, and discuss them with the examiner beforehand. |
| Support for hearing impairments | If you’re deaf or hearing impaired. | Options like reading questions aloud, extra time, rewording questions, and recording answers if needed. |
| Support for reading difficulties | If you have dyslexia or similar conditions. | Options like reading questions aloud, extra time, rewording questions, and recording answers if needed. |
🧠 Instructor Tip
From my time as a driving instructor:
“Don’t wait until the last minute to declare your condition. The earlier you inform the DVSA or your instructor, the more likely they can arrange support that helps you perform at your best. Also, practice under the same conditions you’ll have during test (e.g. with adaptations or visual aids) so you’re not thrown off on test day.”
⚠️ Common Issues Learners Face & How to Avoid Them
| Challenge | Why It Happens | How to Prepare / Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Not knowing what supports are available | DVSA has many options; trainees may miss some because they didn’t ask or research. | On test day, the lack of declared support may cause delays or unfair disadvantage. |
| Declaring late or not at all | Practice with your adaptations ahead of time; familiarise yourself with features (hand controls, etc.) | Declare when booking your test, in advance, in writing if needed. |
| Adapting too many unfamiliar systems at once | Using new techniques/adaptations under pressure causes stress. | Practice with your adaptations ahead of time; familiarise yourself with features (hand controls etc.) |
| Uncertainty about medical fitness vs driving ability | Some are unsure whether to notify DVLA/DVSA or whether their condition qualifies. | Discuss with GP/optician/medical professional; you can ask DVLA medical unit for advice. |
📋 Checklist: Before Your Test (Theory or Practical)
- Notify DVSA when booking that you have a disability, health condition, or learning difficulty.
- Request any needed adjustments (extra time, alternative directions, assistive tech).
- If using adapted controls, make sure your car is certified / road-legal and that you are fully comfortable with those controls.
- Practice under test-like conditions (same vehicle, same supports).
- Carry any medical or professional documentation that supports your request (doctor’s letter, OT report, etc.).
- Arrive early on test day to settle in and confirm any adjustments with the examiner.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I lose part of the test standard if I get accommodations?
A: No. You must still meet the same required driving standards—safety, road position, control, observation, etc. The accommodations are to level the playing field, not lower expectations.
Q: Does having dyslexia mean I automatically need adjustments?
A: Not necessarily. You can request reading-difficulty support if you find questions hard to read or understand—DVSA will assess your need. Dyslexia itself does not always require adjustments.
Q: Do I need to notify the DVLA / DVSA in advance?
A: Yes, you should when booking your test. For licence eligibility, some medical conditions must be declared to the DVLA, especially if they affect safe driving. Failure to do so may lead to legal penalties.
Q: Can I take my own adapted car for the test?
A: If the adaptations are legal and you’ve used them in practice, yes. Examiners need to know beforehand, and you’ll need to demonstrate their safe use during the test.
📚 Source and Attribution
Some information on this page is adapted from official DVSA / GOV.UK guidance. FQ Driving Academy is not affiliated with DVSA. For official rules, see:
- GOV.UK – Driving test: cars – If you have a disability
- GOV.UK – Theory test: reading difficulty, disability or health condition
- GOV.UK – Examiner Guidance for candidates with disability/health condition/learning difficulty
