Driving test for Neurodivergent people

ThePurpleKing

What accessibility arrangements can the DVSA provide for disabilities e.g. High Functioning Autistic, Dyslexia or ADHD?

Can extra time and rest breaks be requested? 

What other reasonable adjustments are applicants entitled to?

I am anxious about filling in the request form because i don't want to be discriminated against in the test if I put too much detail. On the other hand I want to be honest so the assessor understands my behaviour and why I sometimes take a little longer over things.

Also, do the DVSA require evidence of disability e.g. a form that confirms a disability?

Thanks

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @ThePurpleKing! Welcome to Scope online community How are you doing today?

I actually recently had to go through something adjacent to this after I was diagnosed with ADHD. It is a condition that you must inform the DVSA of if you are driving. There are many conditions that do not prevent you from driving but the DVSA still need to know about, they have an online checker here. If you don't inform them it can lead to a fine, so please do.

The gov.uk site has a page about taking the practical test with a disability here. You'll still do the same test, but you will get time to talk to the examiner before the test begins and talk about adjustments. They give an example of having more time to for instructions and directions.

You will need to provide evidence from what I can see here. Both for practical and theory tests. You can get extra time on the theory test as well but you must inform them of the disability and adjustments you would like when booking the theory test not when you turn up.

I also found this document about driving tests that is specific to dyslexia. I hope it helps They go through some examples of acceptable evidence as well.

Learning to drive is stressful without these things to consider, I really wish you good luck!