Since 11 June 2001 all applications for a first provisional licence must be accompanied by a driver theory test certificate. The specification which the contractor operating the driver theory test is obliged to meet provides for the delivery of a user-friendly computerised theory testing system and requires that provision is made for candidates with special needs. This includes the provision of reading assistance and voiceover audio with an extended time slot for the test.
The test is based on a question bank, which has been developed, inter alia, in consultation with the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Difficulties and the National Adult Literacy Agency. The question bank is available in book format or as a CD which includes voiceover audio. The test standard applies to all candidates and special allowances cannot be made in any particular case regardless of the circumstances.