Theory test support for dyslexia, reading difficulties and other needs

If you have dyslexia or another reading difficulty, you can ask for support in the UK theory test, and you ask when you book. You can hear the test through headphones on request, and with proof of a reading difficulty you can get extra time, a reader or reworded questions.

How to ask for support

When you book your theory test you should say if you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition (gov.uk: reading difficulty, disability or health condition).

You book through the official service on gov.uk (gov.uk: book your theory test). The booking service asks whether you need support when you take your test, so tell them at that point rather than on the day.

If the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) agrees you need extra support, it will pick the best type of support for you when you book and tell you what to do next.

Support if you have reading difficulties

gov.uk describes two levels of support. You can ask for headphones without any proof; the other types need proof that you have reading difficulties.

Headphones: no proof needed

You can ask to hear the test through headphones when you book. You can hear it in English or Welsh. You can listen to the questions and possible answers as many times as you need to.

Other support: proof needed

You can get other support if you send proof that you have reading difficulties. You are told how to send proof when you book your theory test. gov.uk says the proof can be an email, letter or report from:

• a teacher or other educational professional
• a doctor or medical professional
• an occupational therapist
• an online dyslexia screening product

With proof, gov.uk says you can get:

• Extra time. You can ask for more time to do the multiple-choice questions part of the test.
• A reader and recorder. A member of staff at the test centre can read out all the instructions and questions on the screen and record your answers during the multiple-choice part.
• Reworded questions. A member of staff can reword the questions to make them easier to understand. They cannot change the technical language you need to know, but they can change the order of the sentence and other non-technical words and phrases. You still answer each question yourself.

Support if you are deaf or hard of hearing

gov.uk says you can take the theory test in British Sign Language (BSL) if you are deaf or hard of hearing. A BSL video appears on the screen next to the questions and answers.

You can also arrange the following, and you are not charged an extra fee for a BSL interpreter or a lip speaker:

• a BSL interpreter with you during the test
• a lip speaker with you during the test
• a listening aid (hearing loop)

Tell DVSA you need this support when you book.

Other disabilities or health conditions

For any other disability or health condition, gov.uk says to contact DVSA to discuss it before you book your test. The contact details are on the gov.uk support page.

If you use a monitoring device for a medical condition, DVSA must approve it when you book. Our guide to what to take to your theory test covers the rules for personal belongings and devices.

What does not change

Support changes how you take the test, not what is tested. gov.uk notes that you must pass both parts, and the pass marks are 43 out of 50 for the multiple-choice questions and 44 out of 75 for hazard perception (gov.uk: pass mark and result).

gov.uk lists the extra time only for the multiple-choice part. Check with DVSA what support applies to the hazard perception part before you book. Our hazard perception guide explains how that part works.

Getting ready

Practising in the same format helps whichever support you use. You can try the free practice questions at your own pace, or take the free diagnostic to see which topics to focus on. Our post on what happens at the test centre walks through the day so nothing is a surprise.

theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA. The details above come from gov.uk, so check there before you book in case they change.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear the theory test read aloud?

Yes. gov.uk says you can ask to hear the test through headphones when you book. You can hear it in English or Welsh and replay the questions and answers.

Do I need proof to get extra time for dyslexia?

Yes. You need to send proof that you have reading difficulties, such as a report or letter from a teacher, doctor, occupational therapist or an online dyslexia screening product.

When should I ask for support?

When you book your theory test. gov.uk says you should say if you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition at that point.

Can someone read the questions and record my answers?

Yes, if you send proof of reading difficulties and DVSA agrees. A member of staff at the test centre can read the screen and record your answers.

Can I take the theory test in British Sign Language?

Yes, if you are deaf or hard of hearing. A BSL video appears next to the questions and answers, and you can also have a BSL interpreter with you.