This support will take the form of assessment to identify the individual’s needs followed by one-to-one theory test training with Specialist Driving Instructors and Occupational Therapists.
The initial assessment will be conducted before the start of the training to identify each student’s training needs and provide evidence for any additional support provision that may be needed from DVSA when taking the Theory Test. Up to six hours of funded specialist one-to-one tuition will then be provided and additional tuition will be also available following the initial sessions, but this will need to be paid for by the client. Assistance with booking the theory test will be given and help getting the necessary proof of special needs, required by DVSA, will be provided.
In order for an individual to take a practical driving test, they must first pass a Theory Test comprising of multiple-choice questions and a video-based hazard perception test. For some people, the barrier of struggling to pass the Theory Test is preventing them from being able to progress to take the practical driving test; many give up due to repeated failed attempts. With the additional support that this project is providing we are hoping to reverse these failed attempts. The project will run for 2 years and will be delivered at eight English Mobility Centres. One-to-one training can be provided at the centres in small conference rooms or offices, with specialist tutors providing training tailored to each individual student’s needs.
Neurodiversity should not be a barrier to someone being able to pursue their ambition of learning to drive. The aim of this project is to support individuals who are struggling to study and remember the information they need to know to drive safely and pass the theory test as well as to help those who are struggling to understand the language used for the DVSA Theory Test questions and answers.
It is also important to help ensure that this group of people can get the additional support from DVSA that they are entitled to when taking the Theory Test. The Driving Mobility Theory Test Support Project aims to help provide the necessary evidence of learning difficulties for candidates that are eligible for this additional support.
Centres currently offering this service are:
- William Merritt Centre, York
- William Merritt Disabled Living Centre, Leeds
- RDAC – Solihull and Leicester
- Cornwall Mobility – Truro
- Herts Ability – Welwyn Garden City
- Derby DrivAbility – Derby
- South East DriveAbility – Maidstone
- QEF – Carshalton