Photo: OregonDOT, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If reading, hearing or test nerves make the permit test hard, most US states offer help. The usual options are an audio version through headphones, an oral test read by staff, American Sign Language (ASL) video or an interpreter, and in some states extra time or a paper test. You normally have to ask in advance. This guide shows what each state publishes and how to request it, as of November 2026.
Key facts
- Audio tests (questions read through headphones) are offered in many states, including Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
- Oral tests on request: Nevada’s handbook says that if you have problems reading or understanding the written test, you may request an oral examination. Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa and Kentucky offer them too.
- ASL: North Dakota runs automated ASL and audio testing at 8 offices. Idaho, Massachusetts and Virginia list ASL versions.
- Extra time: Massachusetts lists extended time, a paper exam or a person-to-person oral exam for applicants with a disability, with documentation.
- The test content doesn’t change. You answer the same questions, just in a different format.
What help can you ask for on the permit test?
| Option | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Audio version | The testing machine reads each question and answer through headphones | Dyslexia, slow reading, English as a second language |
| Oral test by staff | An examiner reads the test to you | Reading difficulties where the machine audio isn’t enough |
| ASL video or interpreter | Questions in American Sign Language, or an interpreter at the test | Deaf and hard of hearing applicants |
| Extended time or paper test | More time, or a paper copy instead of a screen | Learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, attention conditions (where your state offers it) |
| Other language | The test written or spoken in your language | Limited English. See permit test in Spanish and other languages |
Permit test accommodations by state
| State | What is published |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Oral exam on the automated testing equipment if you can’t read and understand the written test |
| Alaska | Multiple languages with audio playback |
| Arkansas | Oral exam: the kiosk reads questions and answers through headphones |
| Colorado | Questions read aloud in English or Spanish; sign language translation provided by the DMV; other ADA accommodations on request. The handbook also comes as an audiobook |
| Connecticut | Headset for an audio version. The DMV notes the audio was recorded from the November 2014 manual and isn’t up to date |
| Delaware | Audio tests with headphones on request. Call your DMV office to book a disability accommodation before you go |
| District of Columbia | Audio-assisted tests for applicants who need help reading |
| Georgia | Oral exams for reading disabilities, booked at your local Customer Service Center, which can also schedule an interpreter for hearing-impaired customers |
| Hawaii (Honolulu) | Questions can be read aloud; an oral test at the Kapalama center for $10 (as of November 2026) |
| Idaho | Written and aural (audio) versions in 11 languages, plus ASL on video |
| Illinois | Oral version in person on weekdays for a language barrier or a reading or learning disability; sign language interpreters arranged in advance |
| Iowa | Oral test given by an examiner or an automated device |
| Kentucky | Special appointment for an oral test given by staff, or for an interpreter. The signs section must be answered from your own knowledge |
| Massachusetts | Audio exam for anyone, with no paperwork. With a disability: extended time, a paper exam or a person-to-person oral exam, booked by phone with documentation such as a doctor’s letter or an IEP. ASL exam at a Service Center |
| Mississippi | A headset reads the questions and answers aloud. Interpreters need the Mississippi Interpreter Oath form |
| Nevada | Oral exam if you have problems reading or understanding the written test; audio in offices; interpreters allowed for the written test (you pay their fees) but not on the drive test |
| New Jersey | Oral test in English and Spanish with headphones; MVC-approved interpreter for deaf or hard of hearing applicants, paid by the MVC |
| North Carolina | Audio option through earphones |
| North Dakota | Automated ASL and audio testing at Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, Williston, Minot, Devils Lake and Grand Forks; Request for Reasonable Accommodations form SFN 60135 for anything else |
| Oklahoma | The manual says an oral test is available on request (may need an appointment); a live page says English only for now. Ask |
| Pennsylvania | Written and audio versions in 30 languages on request; sign language interpreter for deaf or hard of hearing applicants |
| Utah | Readers, interpreters and other accommodations at the Driver License Division. Schools giving the permit test can’t provide accommodations |
| Vermont | Ask for help with reading when you book, and the DMV will accommodate you |
| Virginia | The manual lists audio and ASL versions |
| West Virginia | Audio version with headphones for applicants with reading difficulties |
Not listed? Ask your state’s DMV what it offers. Colorado and North Dakota, for example, take requests for other accommodations. Or start from your state guide via US permit test by state.
How to ask for an accommodation
- Decide what you need. Audio may be enough. If not, ask for an oral test, extra time or an interpreter.
- Contact the DMV before your visit. Oral exams and interpreters usually need a special appointment (Kentucky, Massachusetts, Delaware, Illinois).
- Bring documentation if asked. Massachusetts wants written documentation, such as a doctor’s letter or an IEP, for an oral exam. A school 504 Plan or IEP is good evidence elsewhere too.
- Use the right form. North Dakota has SFN 60135; Mississippi needs the Interpreter Oath form for interpreters.
- Allow time. Specialist appointments can take longer to arrange than a standard test.
- On the day, tell the staff at check-in which accommodation you booked.
Help for test anxiety
Ask your state whether anxiety on its own qualifies for a special format. If you have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, a learning disability or ADHD, ask about extended time or a quieter format in states that offer them, with your documentation. For everyone else, preparation is the best fix:
- Study from the official handbook, not just apps. Many states publish audio handbooks (Colorado, Nebraska, Pennsylvania).
- Take timed and untimed practice tests until you score well above the pass mark. Start with US permit practice tests.
- Choose an audio version if reading under pressure is the problem. In Massachusetts anyone can choose it.
- Book a time when the office is likely to be quiet, and arrive early with your documents ready: first permit documents checklist.
- If you fail, the retake is usually soon: retake waiting periods by state.
Accommodations on the road test
The road test is in English in most states. Georgia says the driving test is in English only. Help in the car is limited:
- Washington allows a sign language interpreter in the car.
- Massachusetts allows an approved interpreter or trained service animal.
- Louisiana allows an interpreter if needed.
- California lets an interpreter help with the pre-drive check only.
- Nevada and Colorado allow no interpreters on the drive test.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, ask when you book how the examiner will give directions. For adapted cars and medical evaluations, see learning to drive with a disability in the US.
Common questions
Can I have the permit test read to me?
In most states, yes. Ask for the audio version or an oral test. Nevada, Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa and Kentucky all publish an oral option.
Do I need proof of a disability for the audio test?
Usually not for machine audio. Massachusetts lets anyone choose it. A staff-read oral test or extra time may need documentation, as in Massachusetts.
Is the oral test easier?
No. The questions are the same; only the format changes. In Kentucky you must still answer the signs section from your own knowledge.
Can I bring my own interpreter?
Sometimes. Nevada allows an interpreter for the written test if you lack English or Spanish skills, at your own cost. Mississippi needs the Interpreter Oath form. New Jersey and Pennsylvania arrange sign language interpreters. Virginia doesn’t allow translators for languages it already offers.
Can I get extra time on the permit test?
Massachusetts lists extended time for applicants with a disability. In other states, ask the DMV as a reasonable accommodation request.
What if I have an IEP or 504 Plan at school?
Bring it. It shows the DMV what support you already get. Rhode Island’s community college driver education course also accepts IEP and 504 Plans for course accommodations.
Licensing routes by state: learning to drive in the USA.
Sources
- Nevada DMV, “Nevada Driver’s Handbook (DMV 700, March 2024)” (dmv.nv.gov)
- Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 3: Testing Information” (dds.georgia.gov)
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, “Alabama Driver Manual” (alea.gov)
- Alaska DMV, “Alaska Driver Manual” (dmv.alaska.gov)
- Arkansas State Police, “Audio Testing Instructions” (asp.arkansas.gov)
- Colorado DMV, “Driver Written Test” and “Driver Education” (dmv.colorado.gov)
- Connecticut DMV, “Knowledge Test” (portal.ct.gov)
- Delaware DMV, “Delaware Driver Manual” (dmv.de.gov)
- DC DMV, “Knowledge Tests” (dmv.dc.gov)
- City and County of Honolulu, “Written Test” (honolulu.gov)
- Idaho Transportation Department, “Knowledge Test” (itd.idaho.gov)
- Illinois Secretary of State, “Driver’s License Testing” (ilsos.gov)
- Iowa DOT, “Iowa Driver’s Manual” (iowadot.gov)
- Kentucky State Police, “Driver Testing” (kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov)
- Massachusetts RMV, “Learner’s Permit Exam” (mass.gov)
- Mississippi Driver Service Bureau, “Class R Learner’s Permit” (driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov)
- New Jersey MVC, “Knowledge Test” and “New Jersey Driver Manual” (nj.gov)
- NCDMV, “Driver License Tests” (ncdot.gov)
- North Dakota DOT, “Knowledge Test” (dot.nd.gov)
- Service Oklahoma, “Oklahoma Driver Manual” (oklahoma.gov)
- PennDOT, “Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual” (pa.gov)
- Utah State Board of Education and Utah Driver License Division, knowledge test pages (schools.utah.gov; dld.utah.gov)
- Vermont DMV, “Learner’s Permit” (dmv.vermont.gov)
- Virginia DMV, “Virginia Driver’s Manual” (dmv.virginia.gov)
- West Virginia DMV, “Driver’s Licensing Handbook” (dmv.wv.gov)
- Washington State Department of Licensing, “Drive test” (dol.wa.gov)
- Louisiana OMV, “Class E Driver’s Guide” (expresslane.org)
- California DMV, “California Driver’s Handbook: The Testing Process” (dmv.ca.gov)
- Community College of Rhode Island, “Driver Education” (ccri.edu)