Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Practical driving test with special needs

Taking the practical driving test if you have special needs:

After passing your driving theory test, you will prepare for your practical test. DSA provides a number of facilities for you if you have special needs or physical disabilities. You can read about 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.

Driving test cd

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.

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.

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 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.

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 are allowed to write down the shapes of what you see on the number plate.

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

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 or 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.

Source: DSA

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