Guidance for applicants

Following a Committee report in May 2017, calling for the testing of new drivers in English speaking and comprehension skills, the Versant English test has been selected as the Council’s method of assessment.

This test is taken over the telephone through an automated system to ensure impartiality on behalf of the Council.

New driver applicants must demonstrate their English language skills via the Versant test if they:

  • Have not completed their secondary school education in the UK; or

  • Do not possess any UK secondary school level qualification which has been taught and examined in English; or

  • In the case of non-UK citizens, have not been educated in English outside the UK to the equivalent of GCSE level or above, or have not obtained a Home Office required Secure English Language Test

Original certificates must be provided to prove that qualifications are held.

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