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Special Needs Disabled Learner Drivers and Other Special Requirements This section of the website covers learning to drive and the theory and practical tests for those people with disabilities and other special requirements.  Please click on the appropriate link below for the section you require: Disabled Learner Drivers Other Special Requirements Disabled Learner Drivers The minimum age for driving cars is 17, but if you're getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (mobility component), you can drive when you reach the age of 16. You may prefer an instructor who is skilled at teaching disabled people. Look for instructors who have taken a special course - often at Banstead Mobility Centre or the Transport Research Laboratory. Experienced instructors can teach you more than how to drive, including: How to get in and out of the car more easily How to get your wheelchair in and out of the car (if applicable) How to operate any adapted controls Some driving instructors have simple hand controls fitted to one or more of their fleet and will offer specialist tuition. Motability, the scheme that gives people an opportunity to own or hire a car, may be able to offer financial support towards the cost of driving lessons. This also could include driving lessons for a person nominated by you, such as a parent or carer.  Click here for more details.   Disabled Drivers Taking Their Theory Test Theory tests are held at test centres, which are generally wheelchair accessible and offer specialist facilities for disabled people. However, arrangements can be made for you to take the test at home or at a different centre if your local centre is not accessible to you. The theory test is available in spoken as well as written format. Candidates with hearing difficulties can watch a video of the test in British Sign Language. The test conditions can also be adapted if you have light-sensitive epilepsy. You can ask for extra time for the multiple-choice element of the theory test. It is very important to mention any special requirements you may have when you book your test with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Please let the DSA know if you: Need access for a wheelchair Are deaf or have other hearing difficulties Are dyslexic or have reading difficulties Do not read or understand English Full details can be found on the DirectGov website.   Booking your Theory Test Click here for information on how to book a test Please see our Theory Test page for full details of what is involved in the test and our Theory Study page for details of how to prepare for your test.   Disabled Drivers Taking Their Practical Test No matter how serious your disability might be, you will still take the same driving test as every other candidate. It is very important to mention any special requirements you may have when you book your test with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Please let the DSA know if you: Are deaf or have severe hearing difficulties Are in any way restricted in your movements Have any physical disability Disabled drivers may be allowed extra time for their test. This is to allow you to explain to your examiner the nature and function of any adaptations you use, and to allow you extra time to get in and out of the car. Driving examiners are specially trained to understand particular problems that may arise from disabilities.   How to book your practical test Click here for information on how to book a test   Other information Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service (MAVIS) - The Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service (MAVIS) helps disabled drivers make informed decisions about their own mobility needs. Blue Badge Network - an organisation which seeks to help those with disabilities to integrate more effectively with society. Mobility Information Service - a resource for physically disabled people who drive or want to drive. It is mostly run by volunteers, the majority of whom are themselves disabled and who have a desire to help others overcome their own mobility problems. Motability - The Motability scheme gives disabled people the opportunity to own or lease a car at an affordable price. Other Special Requirements The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) provides a number of facilities for people with special requirements. These include foreign language voiceovers, extra time, British Sign Language interpretation and translator assisted tests. Click here for information on how to book a theory or practical test   Special Requirements for the Theory Test If English is not your first language or you cannot read or understand written English You can request a voiceover in one of 21 different languages. A voiceover allows you to hear the instructions for the test and the questions through headphones. You can hear the options for the answers by touching the text on the computer screen. You can hear the questions as many times as you like. Foreign language voiceovers are available in the following languages: Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu, Welsh Translator Assisted Tests If there is no voiceover available in the language you require you can request to have the assistance of a translator for your Theory Test. The translator MUST be a DSA approved translator and when you ring to arrange you test, the call centre agent will be able to provide you with names and contact details of approved translators. It is your own responsibility to arrange a test date with the translator and to pay the fees involved for their services. Facilities for those with reading difficulties If you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties you can ask for an English or Welsh voiceover. You can also request to have up to double time for the multiple choice part of the theory test. If you require more than the standard time of 40 minutes for the multiple choice part you will need to send in evidence of your reading difficulty to the theory test booking customer services. Facilities for those with hearing difficulties If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties you can take the theory test in British sign language (BSL). This comprises an on-screen video of the test being signed in British Sign Language which runs alongside the standard test questions and answers. If you do not use BSL, an interpreter can be taken into the test centre, this facility needs to be arranged through the theory test customer services section when you book your test. There is no extra fee for either arrangement. Other special requirements If you have a special need that is not met by any of the arrangements already mentioned, you can contact the theory test customer services section who can discuss your requirements and the facilities available. Please see the DirectGov website for full details   Special Requirements for the Practical Test It is very important to mention any special requirements you may have when you book your test with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). You will still take the same driving test as every other test candidate, no matter what your requirements are, but more time may be allowed for your test so that you can explain your requirements to the examiner. If you need help to understand the instructions given by the examiner during the test, you may bring your own interpreter for your practical test as long as they are: Not a driving instructor Over 16 years of age You will be responsible for arranging your interpreter and for paying any fees involved for their services. Booking Your Test Find a theory test centre Find a practical test centre   Booking your Theory Test or Practical Test by phone You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm except on Bank Holidays. Test booking line - 0870 0101 372 Welsh language booking line - 0870 0100 372 Minicom booking line - 0870 0106 372 Fax booking line - 0870 0104 372   Booking Your Theory or Practical Test Online To book a theory or practical test online you will need: A valid UK driving licence A valid debit or credit card for payment  (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted) Click here to book a theory or practical test online.   Booking your Theory Test or Practical Test by post To book a theory test or practical test by post you will need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted. Download a theory test application form Download a practical test application form

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