Newslink May

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5. For OLM (Oral Language
Modification) tests the reader/recorder
can explain the meaning of the language
used and is permitted to rephrase the
questions/answers to make them easier
to understand, however they are not
allowed to explain the meaning of
technical terms.
OLM tests are only available for
candidates with severe difficulties in
language comprehension.
DVSA has confirmed that the
‘translator kit’ will not be used for OLM
tests; only face to face reader/recorders
will be used.
6. Separate room (quiet environment).
This may be available on request if the
candidate is able to demonstrate that
they would be seriously distracted by
other people in the same room; proof of
the special needs will be required.
A separate room may also be
necessary if other candidates would be
distracted by the special needs
accommodations being provided.
Unfortunately, due to the difficulty
maintaining social distancing in the small
side rooms and the difficulty providing
adequate ventilation, most separate
rooms are currently unavailable. If a
separate room is essential, a total centre
shutdown may be required to allow the
candidate to take the test on their own in
the main room.
For Deaf candidates:
7. On-screen BSL interpreter – no
changes necessary
Candidates have reported that the
sign language is difficult to follow
when using the on-screen BSL: the
size of the window used for the
on-screen signer is very small, you
don’t get the same person signing for
all the questions, regional variations
in BSL make it difficult to follow, you
can’t ask the signer to explain what
the sign language means and you
can’t ask the signer to slow down. Our
recommendation is to ask for a
face-to-face BSL interpreter.
8. Face to face BSL interpreter: The
candidate and interpreter will be
separated by a transparent screen and
both are permitted to remove their face
coverings to allow for the reading of
facial expressions and lip movements.
This service could be a “reading” service
with the candidate marking their own
answers on the computer in the normal
way, or it could be a “reader/recorder”
service where the candidate signs which
‘‘
Candidates have reported
that the sign language is
difficult to follow when
using the on-screen BSL....
our recommendation is that
candidates ask for a face-toface
BSL interpreter....
‘‘
answer they want to be marked.
A total centre shutdown would be
required if the candidate needs a
separate room or for reader/recorder
tests, for OLM tests and for tests for Deaf
candidates using face to face BSL
interpreters.
DVSA have confirmed that from April
12 all test centres will open on Saturdays
and a dedicated time slot will be
available at 3.30 every Saturday
afternoon for tests that require a total
centre shutdown.
Proof of special needs and booking the
theory test
• If a computer voice over (option 1) or
an on-screen BSL interpreter (option 7) is
required, this needs to be requested
when booking the test but if it has not
been requested in advance they should
still be available if asked for on the day.
No proof of special needs is required
for these accommodations.
• If extra time is needed or if the
services of a reader or recorder are
required, candidates will need to provide
proof of special needs.
This could be a letter from school or
college confirming the special needs
provision used for exams or tests, a letter
from their doctor confirming the reading
difficulty, a report from the British
Dyslexia Association screening service, a
Driving Mobility Assessment Report or
could be some other form of proof eg, a
PIP assessment report confirming the
candidate’s difficulty understanding
written information.
This proof needs to be sent to the
Customer Care Team at Pearson VUE
well in advance of booking the test; they
will consider the proof and if they agree
will confirm this in writing, providing a
reference number which needs to be
quoted when booking the test, which is
best done by phone or send an email
with a contact phone number. Deaf
candidates can book via the minicom
service.
• For OLM tests (option 5) proof of a
significant difficulty with language
comprehension (usually a Statement of
Educational Needs) will have to be sent
to Pearson VUE and when accepted can
be booked as above.
• For Deaf candidates needing a face
to face BSL interpreter (option 8), no
proof is required but this must be
requested well in advance of booking the
test to give Pearson time to arrange the
interpreter.
• If you need further information
please contact the Pearson VUE
Customer Care Team if sending an email
put “special needs accommodations” in
the subject box:
Tel: 0300 200 1122
Email: customercare@pearson.com
Minicom: 0300 200 1166
• If the test is being booked by the
candidate’s ADI or by family/friends and
they need to talk to Pearson or DVSA on
behalf of the candidate, a DVSA Data
Protection Form will have to be
completed and signed by the candidate
and their nominee; this should be sent to
Pearson in advance and will give
permission for Pearson to discuss the
booking with the candidate’s nominee.
DVSA has stated that it will confirm
the changes to the special needs
accommodations as soon as possible.
Changes will be notified to ADIs so
they can help their pupils to prepare and
they will also be notified direct to
candidates so they are kept fully
informed.
Information on GOV.UK will be
updated and DVSA will produce a short
information video which will be shared
on social media and with candidates
booking special needs tests.
For more information on Disability
Driving Instructors, call 0844 800
7355 or click on the panel. Or to see
John’s presentation and ask him
questions directly, come along to our
online event on Thursday, 13th May at
7.30pm. Click here info@msagb.com
for an invitation.
Click here for
the full story
NEWSLINK n MAY 2021
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