No Restrictions on Deaf or Hard of Hearing Drivers in the UK.
Some people quite wrongly assume that being Deaf means a person cannot drive here in the UK. Although in some countries they do ban Deaf drivers, here in the UK we have no such restrictions. There have been many cases of Deaf pople obtaining a licence to drive vehicles of other groups, such as Pubic service vehicles and Goods vehicles.
The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) make special provision for Deaf drivers when taking the Theory/Hazard perception test and the practical driving test.
As with users of other languages, Deaf candidates who use BSL (British Sign Language) are given the option of using a translator during both exams.
In addition, Deaf candidates are given extra time to complete the Theory/Hazard perception test. Extra time is also granted on the practical test, to help both examiner and candidate overcome any communication problems that might occur during the test.
The DSA should be informed of any moderate to severe level of deafness at the application stage for both tests, so that arrangements for support can be made in good time.
Similar support is available to Deaf drivers wishing to take either the DIAmond advanced Driving test or the DIAmond Special test. For further information, contact DIAmond Advanced Motorists at http://www.driving.org/diamond/ or through ourselves via the link below.
For further advice and information on Deafness and Driving, contact myself, Steve Swinton ADI at www.aditraining123.co.uk
Steve Swinton ADI Dip DI
Blog Administrator