Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Transport the plans he has to make allowances in the driver theory test for persons with learning disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23554/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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 candidates with special needs be provided for. This includes the provision of reading assistance and voice-over 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 voice-over audio.

The test standard applies to all candidates and special allowances cannot be made in the marking of questions in any case regardless of the particular circumstances.