Taking the theory test if you have learning difficulties, a disability or health condition

If you have a learning difficulty, disability, or health condition, you may be entitled to additional support when taking the DVSA theory test. This guide outlines the types of support available, how to request them, and what evidence may be required. It’s designed to help you feel confident and prepared, whatever your needs.

What's covered

• Declaring your needs when booking
• Support available without proof
• Support available with proof
• Hazard perception test adjustments
• How to provide evidence
• Contacting DVSA
• Final tips for test day

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Declaring your needs when booking

When booking your theory test, you must declare any learning difficulty, disability or health condition. This allows the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to assess your needs and offer appropriate support.

You can start the booking process up to six months before you plan to take the test. Use the online booking service at gov.uk/book-theory-test and tick the box that says you require additional support.

Support available without proof

Some accommodations are available to all candidates and do not require proof of special needs. These include:

Audio voiceover

You can choose to hear the test questions and answers through headphones. This is available in English or Welsh and can be selected when booking online.

British Sign Language (BSL) support

If you are deaf or have a hearing impairment, you can:

• Use an on-screen BSL interpreter

• Request a face-to-face BSL interpreter (must be booked in advance)

Coloured overlay clings

These help with reading difficulties, light sensitivity, ADD, ADHD, autism and other conditions. You can request them by selecting “The support type I want is not here” during booking. DVSA will contact you to confirm your requirements and ensure the correct colour is provided.

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Support available with proof

Some accommodations require written evidence of your needs. These include:

Extra time

You can request up to double the standard time (1 hour 57 minutes) for the multiple-choice section. Evidence from a teacher, doctor, or dyslexia screening tool is required.

Reader/recorder support

A trained staff member can read the questions and record your answers. This can be done either in person or remotely via headphones.

Oral language modification (OLM)

In exceptional cases, a reader can reword questions to make them easier to understand. Technical terms cannot be changed. Evidence of severe language comprehension difficulties is required.

Private environment or separate room

If you are easily distracted or have high anxiety, you can request a separate room. DVSA may require medical or educational evidence. Note that some rooms may have glass walls, so be clear if this would not be suitable.

Home test

In rare cases, DVSA may allow you to take the test at home. This requires strong evidence of need and must be discussed with DVSA in advance.

Hazard perception test adjustments

While fewer adjustments are available for the hazard perception test, the following may help:

• Pausing between clips (for motion sickness)

• Use of coloured overlays

• Bespoke mouse equipment (if needed due to physical restrictions)

How to provide evidence

Evidence can be uploaded during the online booking process. Acceptable forms include:

• Letters from schools or colleges detailing exam support

• Medical reports from GPs or occupational therapists

• Online dyslexia screening results (e.g. QuickScreen Dyslexia Test)

• Reports from Driving Mobility assessments

If you cannot upload evidence, DVSA will provide instructions on alternative methods.

Contacting DVSA

If your needs are not covered by the standard options, or if you need help with booking, contact DVSA directly:

• Email: theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk

• Phone: 0300 200 1122 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm)

For additional support, you can also contact:

• British Dyslexia Association: bdadyslexia.org.uk

• Driving Mobility: drivingmobility.org.uk

• QuickScreen Dyslexia Test: qsdyslexiatest.com

Final tips for test day

• Arrive 30 minutes early

• Bring your provisional licence photocard

• Use the 15-minute practice time to get comfortable with the system

• Flag questions you’re unsure about and revisit them

• Stay calm and take breaks between sections if needed

The DVSA offers a wide range of support options to help candidates with learning difficulties, disabilities or health conditions succeed in their theory test. By declaring your needs early and providing the right evidence, you can access the adjustments that will make your test experience more manageable and fair.

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