An Introduction to Driving for Deaf 2012 - QEF

Fax: 0300 200 1155
Welsh Speakers: 0300 200 1133
When booking a practical driving test you must inform the DSA of any special
requirements or disabilities. Extra time for the test is allowed so that the
examiner can talk to you about your disability and any adaptations fitted to the
vehicle. Regardless of the type of disability, you will still take the same
driving test as any other candidate.
Someone with mild hearing impairment should advise the DSA, so that the
examiner may speak more loudly or turn towards them when speaking.
For a person with profound deafness, examiners have cards with written
instructions which can be used. Alternatively you are entitled to take an
interpreter with you to translate instructions into sign language. The
interpreter must be at least 16 years old and must not be the driving
instructor. They must also not interfere with the test in any way.
The candidate must provide the interpreter as the DSA does not employ them,
and the person booking the test must also inform DSA at the time of booking
that there will be an extra person in the car. See below for further information
on interpreters.
If a test cannot be conducted due to a lack of communication between
candidate and examiner then it must be terminated for safety reasons. It is
therefore in the candidate’s interest to provide the DSA with all the relevant
information when booking the test.
Interpreters for Practical Tests
RNID
You can contact the Information Line free by telephone or textphone, or send
an email, fax or letter:
19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: 0808 808 0123 (freephone)
Textphone: 0808 808 9000 (freephone)
Fax:: 020 7296 8199
SMS: 0780 000 0360
Email: informationline@rnid.org.uk
Whichever way you choose to contact them, please include your full postal
address as they often only send information through the post. They also provide
a lot of relevant information on their website.
QEF Mobility Services 8