DVLA Driving and unable to read and write

Ladywriter1968

I have a question?

Can a person pass their test and drive if they can not read or write?

This may seem a stupid question but I know some one exactly like this, who drives around and cant read or write. They have a disabilitity also and maybe a special adapted car, but not to sure on the car adaption part.

I just wondered as you need to read road signs etc,

colin13

u need to pass a theroy test,which requires reading,so it would be very hard,

Ladywriter1968

colin13 wrote: »

u need to pass a theroy test,which requires reading,so it would be very hard,

when I took my test years ago this was before the theory test came in, you just had to learn the signs in the book and stopping distances etc. This person I know, I dont get on with them they cant read or write yet they drive a car. Makes me wonder how they pass their test to be honest? are they a danger on the road?

Ladywriter1968

nogginhead wrote: »

Likewise. Those were the days when you had to do hand signals!

Passed my car test 5 weeks after my 17th birthday and never had a lesson! Mind you I was driving well before I was 11 on our farm.

I actually acquired a HGV licence as I had 'grandfather rights' courtesy of my car licence - never passed my test in a HGV and used to drive artics and 8 wheelers!

Motorbike test was the best when I was 16, just go round the block (4 left hand turns), the examiner then jumped out in front of you. As long as you didn't hit him - you passed!!

Mine was 80's early 90's but we didnt have the theory test then, just the highway code book to study and test. I just did the car one. My Dad used to be a long distance truck driver had HGV 1-2-3, I dont think they call it that anymore do they? not sure.

Ladywriter1968

colin13 wrote: »

u need to pass a theroy test,which requires reading,so it would be very hard,

the theory test didnt exist when I passed, so guess this person I speak of must have passed before me even as they are older.

mealone

Is this thread related to your other thread on this board about your neighbour with CP?

[Deleted User]

Ladywriter1968 wrote: »

when I took my test years ago this was before the theory test came in, you just had to learn the signs in the book and stopping distances etc. This person I know, I dont get on with them they cant read or write yet they drive a car. Makes me wonder how they pass their test to be honest? are they a danger on the road?

when someone on your "ladders"thread suggested you were a busybody i`m beginning to agree with them

Savvy_Sue

being able to recognise and interpret road signs isn't the same thing as being able to read and write. That's like saying that we shouldn't drive if we go abroad to a country where we can't speak the language, or that non-English speakers shouldn't drive in the UK.

anguk

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

being able to recognise and interpret road signs isn't the same thing as being able to read and write. That's like saying that we shouldn't drive if we go abroad to a country where we can't speak the language, or that non-English speakers shouldn't drive in the UK.

Exactly. I don't think being able to read and write would be a requirement of passing a driving test (especially if they passed years ago), they would just need to recognise the various road signs. How many people who live here would be able to read the road signs abroad? Not many I guess but that doesn't stop us from driving there because most would be able to interpret the road signs, they're more of a visual thing than reading.

My husband passed his test about 30 years ago and there was no theory then, the examiner just asked you a few questions.

I've found this on the Citizens Advice website:

If you have special needs, for example, reading difficulties, physical disabilities or you wish to take the theory test in a language other than English, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) or the Driver Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) can make arrangements for you.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_cars_and_other_vehicles_e/consumer_driving_and_parking_e/consumer_driving_e/driving_tests.htm#candidates_with_special_needs

So it looks like you would be able to drive, I'm guessing they would have some way of enabling you to do the theory even if you couldn't read, maybe they would have someone input your answers or something like that?

PasturesNew

When I am driving, I see many signs that I don't read.... I just recognise roughly what's going on. e.g. a yellow one at the side of the road's telling me that soon the road will be closed overnight for resurfacing ... I never read them, I just know that if I get round the next corner and the road's closed I know why.... because there was a yellow sign I'd passed.

There are plenty of foreign/tourist/professional lorry drivers driving around the roads and unable to speak/read English.

Not being able to read and write doesn't stop you being able to drive safely ... it just means you don't have accidents trying to read what time the roadside signs say the Fete starts on Saturday.

Signs are certain shapes/colours/sizes in groups to give you a clue as to what sort of road situation you're about to encounter.

Savvy_Sue

PasturesNew wrote: »

Not being able to read and write doesn't stop you being able to drive safely ... it just means you don't have accidents trying to read what time the roadside signs say the Fete starts on Saturday.

:rotfl: very true ...