Driving Instructors Branch of Unite the Union May 2014 | Page 15

No more voiceovers or interpreters.

From April 7th 2014 candidates will no longer be allowed the use of the voice-over in their theory test, previously this was available in 19 languages.

Changes also mean that interpreters will not be allowed on practical tests.

Why the change? The answer is quite simple to prevent fraud.

Figures form the .gov web site show the following;

Since 2008, more than 1,300 theory test passes have been revoked after investigations into fraudulent interpreters.

Between February 2008 and December 2009, more than 20% of all theory tests taken with an interpreter were found to be fraudulent, with 1 interpreter conducting 586 fraudulent tests.

Last year, 2 interpreters were each jailed for 12 months for helping learners cheat on their tests.

Candidates with special needs

Candidates with dyslexia or other reading difficulties will still be able to take their theory test with an English or Welsh language voice-over.

Candidates who are deaf or have hearing difficulties will still be able to:

take their theory test in British sign language (BSL)

take a BSL interpreter with them on their practical test

Link to announcement