Special Needs Accommodations for Candidates With Learning Difficulties and Developmental Conditions

Sep 18, 2026

Guidance on special needs accommodations for candidates with learning difficulties and developmental conditions when booking and taking the practical driving test. It explains when candidates must be notified to DVLA or DVSA, what types of reasonable adjustments may be planned, and why extra paperwork is generally not required for learning difficulties. It covers booking steps, confirmation processes, communications and interaction needs, and how eyesight and number plate arrangements can be adapted while maintaining the legal eyesight test procedure.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Special needs notification

Booking the test

Confirmation and coordination

Procedure on test

Eyesight test adjustments

General communication and interaction

Special needs accommodations for candidates with learning difficulties & developmental conditions when booking and taking the practical driving test: Special needs notification: When applying for a provisional license DVLA do not need notification of a learning difficulty (such as dyslexia or dyspraxia) or of any neurological developmental conditions (such as Autism, Aspergers or ADHD) unless the condition affects driving ability; they do however need to be notified of any learning disability which results in reduced intellectual ability. DVSA do not normally need notification of these conditions before a practical driving test unless any accommodations are required; if that is the case notification would be needed to allow for them to plan for any necessary reasonable adjustments. It is unlikely that DVSA would decide that extra time , sometimes referred to as a “double slot”, is required for these tests unless there is some sort of physical disability associated with the condition that requires the use of adapted controls; the examiner is also not required to complete any extra paperwork for candidates with learning difficulties, so extra time is not needed for that purpose. It should be noted that the elements of the practical driving test remain the same for all test candidates. The special needs accommodation does not mean that the drive will be any longer but it could allow extra time for the additional discussion needed before the start of the test and provides extra time to allow for breaks during the test if required. Booking the test: If special needs notification is required it should be declared when booking the test. For on-line applications make sure that the box marked “Special learning or educational needs”is ticked and fill in the special requirements drop box detailing any difficulties the candidate may have with any aspects of the test. For telephone bookings discuss this with the booking centre staff. If thereis a difficulty using one or other method used for the independent drive this should also be declared when making the booking. The preferred method of booking a special needs test is on-line at [https://www.gov.uk/book-driving](https://www.gov.uk/book-driving)test or via the DVSA Trainer Booking Service; make sure that the special requirements sections of the booking form are completed; DVSA should then automatically select a “double slot” if this is needed. It may though be more convenient to make these bookings by telephoning the DVSA call centre (0300 200 1122) to ensure that special needs requirements are accurately and fully explained. If extra time is required for the test the booking centre staff would arrange for a “double slot” test. Confirmation: Once the special needs requirements have been received by DVSA they would then be entered onto the examiner’s journal and sent to the allocated examiner at the specified test centre in advance of the test, so the examiner should be aware of any requirements in advance. DVSA have though advised that ADIs should contact the test centre a few days before the test to confirm special needs requirements. It is vital in cases of communication difficulty that the examiner is made aware of any potential problem in advance; they will need to discuss this with the candidate but if there is a communication difficulty the candidate may not be forthcoming with the relevant details. If there is a need for the examiner to communicate with the candidate in a quiet environment the examiner needs to know about this in advance, it may sometimes be advantageous for a meeting tobe arranged in advance of the test date if the candidate has difficulties interacting with strangers. Procedure on test Following notification in advance of any special needs requirements, DVSA has agreed to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to accommodate those special needs. Eyesight test: DVSA have stated that “reasonable adjustments” may be made for the eyesigh

FAQs

When do candidates need to notify DVLA or DVSA about special needs?

For a provisional license, notification to DVLA is not needed for learning difficulties or neurological developmental conditions unless they affect driving ability. For the practical test, DVSA does not normally require notification unless accommodations are needed, in which case notification is needed for planning reasonable adjustments.

How is extra time (“double slot”) handled for candidates with learning difficulties?

Extra time is unlikely to be required for these tests unless a physical disability associated with the condition requires adapted controls. The document also notes that additional discussion and breaks during the test may be supported when special needs accommodations are arranged.

What reasonable adjustments may be made for the eyesight test?

Reasonable adjustments may be made if DVSA is aware a candidate has dyslexia or similar reading difficulties. The guidance references that black on yellow number plates and certain writing or distinguishing approaches can be treated as reasonable adjustments while keeping the legal eyesight test procedure intact.

Sep 18, 2026

Upload by Ben Jamin