The DGT makes the theoretical exam accessible for people with reading comprehension difficulties

The DGT has announced new measures to make theoretical exams more accessible for people with reading comprehension difficulties.

On the one hand, there is now the possibility of taking the common test with texts and images adapted to simple language, in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations contained in the UNE 153101 Easy Reading standard, and on the other hand, requesting audio assistance in the theoretical test conducted by computer.

Regarding questions with texts and images adapted to the UNE Easy Reading standard, in 2020, the Directorate General of Traffic adapted an initial set of questions to conduct pilot tests with intellectually disabled people interested in obtaining a class B driving license.

Following these tests, in 2023, the DGT put out a public tender for adapting questions used in knowledge control tests to obtain a class B driving license according to the aforementioned UNE standard. Despite not yet having completed the first year since the contract's formalization date, the theoretical test for obtaining a class B license in simple language is already available, as a sufficient and significant number of questions used in this test, along with their images, have already been adapted.

This adaptation also includes images so that they not only meet UNE standard requirements but are also accessible for people who have difficulty seeing colors, such as those with color blindness.

Additionally, the Directorate General of Traffic has included in its website module showing what a theoretical exam looks like three questionnaire models with questions adapted to Easy Reading. [ACCESS BY CLICKING HERE] three questionnaire models with questions adapted to Easy Reading.

These questionnaires have been prepared with the dual purpose of allowing trainers to guide their students on the type of test they will encounter and adapt their teaching accordingly; and on the other hand, so that candidates know what type of questionnaire they will face when they appear in the computerized exam room.

The project also includes publishing an illustrated dictionary in Easy Reading that will collect all those terms that may be difficult to understand for people targeted by UNE 153101:2018. However, since these are technical terms or do not have an appropriate meaning in simpler vocabulary, they will appear in questions adapted to this standard's requirements and recommendations. This dictionary, included in the Ministry of Interior's 2024 editorial program, will be published according to UNE 153101:2018 requirements and recommendations and will be available free of charge before the end of the year on the Directorate General of Traffic's website.

The Easy Reading theoretical test will only be available at computerized exam centers, i.e., both at Directorate General of Traffic exam centers and at displaced exam centers in Calatayud (Zaragoza) and Tomelloso (Ciudad Real).

Candidates must request beforehand to take the test adapted to Easy Reading, either through their driving school, which will submit the adapted exam request through the DGT's computer application or through their Traffic Headquarters or Office if applying independently.

On another note, the Directorate General of Traffic has adapted its Exam Management computer system so that groups with reading comprehension difficulties can request headphone assistance. This will allow candidates to listen to both questions and answers during the exam.

For this purpose, Traffic Headquarters and Offices will provide headphones with built-in volume control to candidates who need them and have requested them beforehand.

In an initial phase, audio will only be available for tests conducted in Spanish. However, it is planned to extend it to all languages shortly.

Candidates can request both adaptations separately or together since they are compatible.

Finally, as part of a positive action to compensate for disadvantages faced by people with non-disabling disabilities for obtaining a driving license or permit, Annex VI.B).2 of Royal Decree 818/2009 of May 8th approving the General Driver Regulations expressly provides for extending theoretical test time for special cases duly justified.

Those who have duly justified reading comprehension difficulties can request this additional time beforehand to ensure that what is evaluated is their knowledge and not their ability to understand texts. The Provincial Headquarters must individually assess and approve or deny this request objectively.