Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
In England, Scotland and Wales the car theory test is available in English or Welsh only, plus British Sign Language (BSL) for deaf candidates. There are no foreign-language voiceovers or interpreters: DVSA ended them in 2014. This page sets out what language and support options you do get in Great Britain, and how to ask for them when you book.
Key facts (as of November 2026)
- Languages: English or Welsh, on screen and through headphones.
- BSL: an on-screen BSL video, or your own BSL interpreter at no extra fee.
- Foreign-language voiceovers and spoken-language interpreters: not allowed since 7 April 2014.
- Reading support (extra time, a reader, rewording): needs proof and DVSA’s agreement.
- Ask for support when you book. The test costs £23 whatever support you get.
What languages can you take the theory test in?
| Option | Available in GB? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Yes | Standard test |
| Welsh | Yes | The booking service is also available in Welsh |
| Audio through headphones | Yes, English or Welsh | Ask when you book |
| BSL video on screen | Yes | Shown next to the questions and answers |
| Polish, Arabic, Urdu or any other language | No | Not on screen, not as audio, not through an interpreter |
Why are there no other languages?
In April 2014 the government stopped the car and motorcycle theory test voiceovers in 19 foreign languages and banned interpreters on theory and practical tests. It gave road safety and fraud as the reasons: drivers need to read road signs and understand the rules, and more than 1,300 theory test passes had been revoked since 2008 after investigations into fraudulent interpreters. BSL was kept.
Is Northern Ireland different?
Yes. DVA runs Northern Ireland’s theory test and still offers voiceovers in several languages, including Arabic, Polish and Portuguese. See the DVA theory test in Northern Ireland. You can only book there with a Northern Ireland provisional licence. Ireland’s test has its own options too: Irish theory test languages and supports.
BSL and support for deaf or hard of hearing candidates
- BSL video: a signed video plays on screen next to each question and its answers.
- BSL interpreter: you can bring one. Tell DVSA when you book. No extra fee.
- Lip speaker: you can have one with you, also with no extra fee. Tell DVSA when you book.
- Hearing loop: you can use a listening aid.
- Booking in BSL: since 19 May 2025 the online booking service has a BSL translation option. Turn BSL on at the start of booking to get signed videos of the text.
For the practical test, you can also take a BSL interpreter, who must be at least 16 and can be your instructor. You pay their fee but can apply for a refund afterwards. The examiner gives you written notes and uses hand signals for directions.
Help with reading: headphones, extra time, a reader
No proof needed
- Headphones: hear the questions and answers read out in English or Welsh. You can listen to them as many times as you need.
Proof needed, and DVSA must agree
- Extra time on the multiple-choice questions.
- A reader and recorder: a member of test centre staff reads the screen to you and records your answers.
- Rewording: a member of staff rewords questions so they are easier to understand. They can change sentence order and everyday words, but not the technical terms you need to know. You still choose every answer yourself.
DVSA picks the support that fits your needs when you book and tells you what to do next.
What counts as proof?
An email, letter or report from any of these:
- a teacher or other educational professional
- a doctor or medical professional
- an occupational therapist
- an online dyslexia screening product
You will be told how to send it when you book. The booking service lets you upload evidence online.
How to ask for support: step by step
- Reading difficulty or deafness: say so during online booking at GOV.UK and choose the options offered. Extra time can be requested online.
- Another disability or health condition: contact DVSA before you book to talk through what you need.
- Have your evidence ready if you are asking for extra time, a reader or rewording.
- Contact DVSA theory customer services by email, phone (0300 200 1122, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm), webchat or WhatsApp message if you need help booking.
Full details of all DVSA adjustments, including the practical test: extra support for the car theory and driving tests.
If English is not your first language
There is no translated test, so plan your revision around English (or Welsh) wording:
- Learn the key terms first: give way, overtake, junction, dual carriageway, stopping distance, hazard. These are the words the rewording option cannot change.
- The hazard perception part uses video clips, so reading is less of an issue there. See the hazard perception test.
- Practise with timed mock tests until the question style feels familiar. See a 4 week theory revision plan.
- Arrived in the UK recently? Read learning to drive in the UK as an international student.
Common questions
Can I take the theory test in Polish or Urdu in England?
No. In Great Britain the test is only in English or Welsh, with BSL for deaf candidates.
Can I bring a translator to the theory test?
Not for a spoken language. Interpreters were banned in 2014. A BSL interpreter is allowed.
Can I take the theory test in Welsh in England?
Welsh is offered as a test language in GB and the booking service is available in Welsh. Choose it when you book.
Does extra support cost more?
GOV.UK says there is no extra fee for a BSL interpreter or lip speaker. The car theory test costs £23 as of November 2026.
How much extra time do I get?
GOV.UK does not set a figure on its support page. DVSA decides what you need when you book.
Do I need a dyslexia diagnosis to get extra time?
No formal diagnosis is listed. A letter from a teacher, doctor or occupational therapist, or a result from an online dyslexia screening product, can be accepted.
Can I use headphones without proof?
Yes. Ask for them when you book.
Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain. Related: booking your theory test, the theory test guide and learning to drive with a disability.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “Theory test: cars: If you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Book your theory test” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Foreign language driving tests end” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Driving test: cars: If you have a disability, health condition or learning difficulty” (gov.uk)
- DVSA Despatch blog, “Making our theory test booking service more accessible” (despatch.blog.gov.uk)