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Taking the practical driving test if you have special needs

DSA provides a number of facilities for you if you have special needs or physical disabilities. You can read more about these facilities on this page.

No matter how serious your disability might be, you'll still take the same driving test as everyone else.

Health conditions that could affect your driving

The law requires you to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. Find out if you need to tell DVLA about your medical condition.

• Health conditions that affect your driving

What to do when you book your practical driving test

When you book your practical driving test, you'll be asked if you will be bringing an interpreter with you.

You'll be asked if you have:

• any condition which affects your movement
• any missing limbs
• any special learning needs
• arthritis
• dyslexia
• epilepsy
• paraplegia
• any other special needs

You'll also be asked if you are:

• deaf - either profoundly or not
• heavily pregnant

Taking a test with more time allowed

More time might be allowed for your test if you have certain special needs. This gives the examiner time to talk to you about your disability and any adaptations fitted to your vehicle.

You don't need to have a badge through the Blue Badge Scheme to be able to take a test with more time.

• How to book and manage your practical driving test appointment

• Driving test fees

Taking the practical test if English isn't your first language

You can bring your own interpreter for your practical driving test. They must be at least 16 years old. Your approved driving instructor can be your interpreter.

You will need to arrange your own interpreter and pay any fees that they charge.

Driving examiners are very experienced at dealing with candidates who speak little or no English.

Taking the practical driving test if you have hearing difficulties

If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties, the examiner will communicate with you by whatever means works best for you.

At the start of the test the examiner will tell you what will happen by using written notes. They will also look at you to help you lip read what they are saying if you find that helpful.

The examiner will usually give directions to you as hand signals. These will be explained and shown to you using written cards before your test starts.

Taking an interpreter with you on your practical driving test

You can bring your own interpreter for your practical driving test if you use sign language. They must be at least 16 years old. Your approved driving instructor can be your interpreter.

You will need to arrange your own interpreter and pay any fees that they charge.

• Deaf or hearing impaired people contacts

Taking the practical driving test while you are pregnant

You can take a driving test at any stage of your pregnancy. However, you must be able and willing to do an emergency stop.

Taking the eyesight test if you have reading difficulties

At the start of the practical driving test, the examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a parked vehicle.

If you have learning difficulties or do not speak English, you can write down what you see on the number plate.

You need to read the number plate 20 metres with a new-style plate and at 20.5 metres with an old-style plate.

• Driving eyesight requirements

Special needs and the independent driving section of the test

When you book your test, tell DSA about your special needs. Your examiner then knows which type of special needs you have, so reasonable adjustment can be made during the independent driving section.

This could be by asking you which method you prefer:

• following traffic signs
• following a series of directions (a maximum of three), which are supported by a diagram

In some cases this may be shortened to just two directions.

• Independent driving and riding section of the practical test

More useful links

• Practical test for cars explained

• Motorcycle practical test explained

• The practical driving test for buses and lorries

• Car and trailer or caravan practical driving test

• Find your nearest practical driving test centre Opens new window