Photo: Yan Krukau / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
In Northern Ireland the DVA can adjust both the theory and practical tests for a disability, health condition, reading difficulty or deafness, but you need to ask when you book. For the theory test you can get up to double time on the multiple-choice part (with evidence), an English voiceover, and British Sign Language at no extra fee. For the practical test, examiners can allow extra time, and you take the same test to the same standard as everyone else.
Theory test support in Northern Ireland
| Support | Who it is for | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Up to double time on the multiple-choice part | Dyslexia or another reading difficulty | Send proof of your reading difficulty to the theory test customer services section, online, by email or by post |
| English voiceover | Dyslexia or another reading difficulty | Ask when you book |
| BSL interpretation on screen, alongside the questions and answers | Deaf, hearing loss or tinnitus | Ask when you book; no extra fee |
| Interpreter in the test centre (if you do not use BSL) | Deaf, hearing loss or tinnitus | Arrange through theory test customer services; no extra fee |
| Test at home or at another centre | Your local centre is not accessible to you | Ask the DVA |
If you have a need not covered here, nidirect says to contact the DVA. Book the theory test only once the support you need has been agreed.
Is Irish Sign Language available?
nidirect’s theory test support page mentions British Sign Language only. If you use ISL, ask theory test customer services what they can arrange before you book.
Voiceover in other languages
Separately from disability support, nidirect lists voiceover in English and several other languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Polish, Portuguese, Turkish and Cantonese. For a language interpreter, you arrange a date with the interpretation agency and pay their fee. The test format and fee are in the DVA theory test in Northern Ireland.
Practical driving test support in Northern Ireland
When you book
Let the DVA know if you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, are restricted in your movements, or have any physical disability. You can phone the practical test booking line and say you are calling about a “driving test for a candidate with a disability”. If you are deaf or have a speech difficulty, you can use the Relay UK service to call. Booking itself is explained in booking the DVA practical test.
On the day
- You take the same test as every other candidate.
- You may be given extra time, so you can explain to the examiner how your adaptations work.
- nidirect says examiners are specially trained to understand needs that can come from disabilities.
Interpreters on the practical test
nidirect’s practical test pages do not set out interpreter rules. Ask the DVA when you book whether you can bring a sign language interpreter and who pays.
How Northern Ireland differs from GB
| Northern Ireland (DVA) | Great Britain (DVSA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you ask | DVA theory or practical booking teams | DVSA, when you book |
| Practical test BSL interpreter | Not covered on nidirect; ask the DVA | Allowed, aged 16 or over; you pay and claim back |
| Theory test extra time | Up to double time with evidence | See the GB support guide |
The GB arrangements are in extra support for the theory and driving tests (DVSA).
Help before the test
Disability Action’s Mobility Centre offers driving advice and assessment in Northern Ireland, and nidirect suggests you may want to speak to a specialist instructor there. For the medical side, including telling the DVA about a condition, see the Northern Ireland medical conditions and disability guide.
Related: deaf learner drivers, learning to drive in Northern Ireland.
Sources
- nidirect, “Taking the theory test if you have special requirements” (nidirect.gov.uk)
- nidirect, “Learning to drive with a disability” (nidirect.gov.uk)
- nidirect, “A guide to booking your practical driving test” (nidirect.gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Driving test: if you have a disability, health condition or learning difficulty” (gov.uk)