Theory Test
A Driving Theory Test must be passed before you can apply for a first provisional licence. The test is based on the Rules of the Road and current legislation. It is done on a computerised workstation in a Test Centre. You do not need to be computer literate, as there is no keyboard. It is all touch screen, and there is a simple tutorial for you to follow. If you make a mistake there is a simple way to cancel your answer and try again. In the standard test, you are given 45 minutes to answer 40 questions. There are online revision resources where you can practice the questions in the exact same format as the test is presented. Several ETBs across Ireland also offer small group courses to help people prepare for the driving theory test.
If you have reading difficulties, you can apply for assistance to take your test, if needed. You will need to provide a letter of evidence from a professional (e.g. your assessment report or a letter from a teacher/school) to verify your literacy difficulties and need for assistance during the test. The arrangements available include extra time, and in certain cases a specialist reader can be provided. The specialist reader must read the test items out verbatim. However, if an item of vocabulary is unknown, a direct synonym may be provided to enable the candidate to access the question. A lexicon of such terms was agreed with Prometrics (the company who operate the Driver Theory Test). Synonyms can only be provided for words in the agreed lexicon. Knowledge of some technical terms is deemed necessary, so an alternative word cannot be provided in all cases.
Practical Test
Dyslexia does not prevent people from learning to drive. However, some people with dyslexia may take longer to learn the skill of driving and develop automaticity. They may need to concentrate harder, and so may not be able to talk with a passenger while driving. It is ok to ask the text examiner to repeat instructions if you have difficulty remembering them. Another challenge that some people can have is difficulty remembering right and left. In this case, it is ok to ask the practical test examiner to also point out or indicate the directions to you visually.
Contact the Road Safety Authority for information on the Driving Test. (www.rsa.ie)
http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Your-learner-permit/The-theory-test/
Guidance Videos
On our Adult Dyslexia Hub you will find guidance videos which provide tips for both the Theory Test and the Practical Test.