Independent driving and dyslexia
As part of its preparations for the introduction of independent driving, DSA has looked closely at how the new part of the test could affect people with special needs. This included a close collaboration with the British Dyslexia Association (BDA).
Why might some elements of the test be a problem for dyslexic people?
In her article about independent driving and people with dyslexia, Margaret Malpas, BDA chair explains that a lot of people with dyslexia have a weaker working memory (the part of the memory system responsible for taking in information and manipulating it).


Anyone with a weak working memory might have a problem coping with multiple instructions, such as those in the independent driving section.


What adjustments is DSA putting in place for the independent driving section?
This will depend on the particular diffi culties the dyslexic person has. Examiners will be asking the candidate what adjustments they need. These may include:

asking the candidate's preference for verbal directions or for following signs
showing a simple diagram before the independent driving section. This will be printed on cream vellum paper which cuts down on visual distraction
if helpful, adding visual clues to the diagram, such as a supermarket or petrol station, or telling the candidate the number of the exit point on roundabouts (i.e. 'it's the third exit')
using landmarks such as 'take the fi rst left, it's just past the cinema
continuing to give directions singly throughout the driving test, and for the independent driving section, giving no more than two directions at a time
adapting directions from 'right' and 'left' to 'your side', 'my side'

Read the full article on DSA's website.

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