For learner drivers that don’t have English as a first language, the Driver Knowledge Test is available in:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Croatian
- Greek
- Korean
- Serbian
- Spanish
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
All drivers should be able to read English. Our road signs are written in English and it is important that non-English speakers can understand written instructions, particularly on variable message signs that warn of dangers ahead. Not knowing what a sign says means that you could be driving into a dangerous situation.
Drivers with literacy issues or dyslexia
Drivers that struggle reading can have questions read out to them or can listen to an audio recording.
Learning to drive with English as a second language (ESOL)
Many schools are run by bi-lingual driving instructors, some of whom are first-generation immigrants and went through the challenges of learning to drive using a second language. They may show a deeper understanding of the difficulties you’ll face. To find them, try searching on Google for ‘driving instructor’ plus the language you speak. A good English-speaking driving instructor should still be able to get their point across, even if you have to agree on signs.
Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
