Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Every Australian state and territory offers some help with the learner knowledge test if you have a disability, a learning difficulty, difficulty reading, or are Deaf or hard of hearing. What is on offer varies: NSW can book an assistant reader, WA offers an oral (spoken) test, the NT offers a verbal test, Victoria provides free Auslan interpreters, and most states book interpreters through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). In almost every case you must arrange it before you book, and online booking is often not available for assisted tests.
Support by state and territory
| Where | Test | Support you can ask for | How to arrange |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) | Assistant reader for the in-person DKT. Free interpreter for the DKT and Hazard Perception Test. The Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP) helps people facing extra barriers. | Call 13 22 13 |
| Victoria | Learner permit test | Free interpreter, including an Auslan or sign language interpreter if you are hearing impaired. | Tell VicRoads when you book |
| Queensland | Written road rules test | No published list of written-test supports found. TMR offers interpreters for practical driving tests, and availability varies by centre. | Ask TMR on 13 23 80 before booking; for an interpreter, call TIS on 13 14 50 and ask them to contact TMR |
| WA | Computerised Theory Test (CTT) | Oral (spoken) test if you have difficulty reading or using computers. Can be run in another language with a NAATI interpreter. Paper versions with simpler wording are used in some services. | Ask when applying for your learner’s permit; not every centre or agent offers it |
| SA | Learner’s theory test | No published list of supports found. | Call Service SA on 13 10 84 before booking |
| Tasmania | Learner knowledge test | Free interpreter at Burnie, Devonport, Glenorchy, Hobart, Launceston and Rosny service centres. Online booking is not available if you need an interpreter. | Book in person or through TIS on 131 450, well in advance |
| ACT | Road rules knowledge test | Interpreters through TIS. | TIS on 13 14 50; ask Access Canberra about disability support |
| NT | Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) | Verbal (spoken) test, with or without an interpreter, at urban MVR offices. If you have a physical or mental impairment, MVR can make arrangements. | Talk to MVR on 1300 654 628 before booking |
Oral and verbal tests: how they work
- WA: the questions are read to you and you answer out loud. The pass mark stays the same (24 out of 30 for a car). You still need enough English to follow the testing officer, unless an interpreter is used. You can only attempt the spoken test once a day.
- NT: available at any urban MVR office. Interpreting is by the Interpreting and Translating Service NT; non-residents may have to pay that service directly.
- NSW: the assistant reader reads questions for the in-person DKT. For the Hazard Perception Test, NSW staff can read and explain questions if arranged before booking.
Deaf and hard of hearing learners
If you want instructions or explanations in sign language, ask for an Auslan interpreter when you book. Victoria states that Auslan interpreters are free; elsewhere, ask the licensing authority whether it books and pays for the interpreter.
Extra time and other adjustments
Ask the licensing authority about extra time or other adjustments; what is offered depends on the test and on your needs. If you have a condition such as dyslexia, ADHD or a physical disability that affects using the screen or keyboard, contact the authority before booking and explain what you need. Have a letter from your doctor, school or psychologist ready in case they ask for evidence.
Before you book: a checklist
- Decide what support you need (reader, oral test, interpreter, Auslan, physical access).
- Phone the licensing authority rather than booking online.
- Ask whether your nearest centre offers that support; some only do at certain locations.
- Ask whether you need evidence, and bring it on the day.
- Declare any condition that may affect your driving on the learner application. That is a separate question from test support.
Related guides
- Driving with a medical condition or disability in Australia (series overview)
- Learner knowledge tests in every state compared
- Learner tests in other languages
- Learning to drive with a disability in Australia
Sources
- Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook”, Licences: Extra support for the DKT (nsw.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Planning Victoria, “Road to Solo Driving” handbook, Step 3 (transport.vic.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Practical driving tests” and interpreter information (qld.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “Road rules theory test quiz”, “Take the Computerised Theory Test” and “Remote and mobile services” (transport.wa.gov.au)
- Government of South Australia, “Report a medical condition” (sa.gov.au)
- Service Tasmania, “Help for non-English speaking customers” and “Apply for or renew a learner driver licence” (service.tas.gov.au)
- ACT Government, “ACT Road Rules Handbook” (accesscanberra.act.gov.au)
- Northern Territory Government, “Road Users’ Handbook”, Driver Knowledge Test (nt.gov.au)