Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments

For many people, driving is not only a way to get from A to B, but a key component of their independence and identity. Vitality Occupational Therapy is sensitive to the impact driving has on someone’s life, and therefore ensures comprehensive and sensitive assessments.

A driving assessment is designed to assess whether a person’s medical condition or the process of aging, is impacting their ability to drive safely. 

When should someone be referred to complete an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?

An individual may be referred to complete an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment if a health professional has deemed that a permanent or long-term illness, disability, medical condition, or injury, or the effects of the treatment for any of those things may affect their safe driving ability. 

The purpose of this assessment is to determine the impact of injury, illness, disability, or the aging process on the driving skills of an individual on their ability to drive according to licensing authority standards.

The aim of determining fitness to drive is to achieve a balance between the: 

• Minimising any safety risks for the individual and the community 

• Maintaining the driver’s lifestyle, safety, and independence. 

What is needed to complete an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?

You will need the following:

  • Referral with a detailed medical summary including past medical history and medications

  • A valid Driver’s Licence

  • A valid Medical Certificate if: 

The individual has a mental or physical incapacity that may affect their ability to drive safely, or are 75 years of age or older.

An Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment is comprised of a two-part assessment, taking approximately two hours to complete. 

(Part 1) Off-Road Assessment - Completed with a Specialist Occupational Therapist. 

(Part 2) Practical Assessment - Completed with Specialist OT and Driving Instructor.

Following the assessment, a comprehensive report will be completed by the Occupational Therapist and sent to the treating Medical Practitioner and licensing authority with recommendations regarding driver competency and licensing. 

Following this, an appointment with the treating Medical Practitioner needs to be scheduled to review the outcome of the assessment (and obtain a new Medical Certificate if applicable). Once this is completed the individual needs to present to the licensing authority to have conditions/license updated as per treating Medical Practitioner recommendations. 

What does an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment involve?

Possible outcomes of the assessment:

  • Safe and able to drive with nil restrictions

  • Safe and able to drive with restrictions 

  • Recommendation to complete remediation program - which comprises a series of lessons with rehabilitation trained driving instructors to improve driving performance or learn to use vehicle modifications.

  • Licence is cancelled as medical condition/s impacting on ability to drive safely. 

  • Reassessment

  • Vehicle modifications

Off-Road Assessment

What is the Off-Road Assessment?

The off-road assessment is an initial interview to gather information and to evaluate the nature, frequency, and requirement for driving, underlying impairments (physical, visual, cognitive), knowledge of road law, insight, medical history, and requirements for the on-road test. This component of the assessment is completed by the Occupational Therapist, usually at their home, to ensure the individual's comfort and convenience.

Practical Driving Assessment

What is a Practical Driving Assessment?

The practical component is completed on-road, with a Specialist Occupational Therapist and Driving Instructor. This is completed in the Driving Instructor’s vehicle (a legal and safety requirement), with dual controls. The Driving Instructor is seated in the front passenger seat and the Occupational Therapist is in the rear left passenger seat to complete the assessment. 

The individual being assessed will have time to adjust to the vehicle initially and a driving route will be established in accordance with the individual's goals and usual destinations. Feedback will be provided by the Occupational Therapist during and approximately halfway through the assessment when the vehicle is in a stationary position. 

Depending on the individual situation, the practical assessment may involve evaluating: 

  • Need for specialized equipment/ modifications 

  • Cognitive function

  • Physical strength and skills

  • Reaction time

  • Insight level 

  • Ability to self-monitor their driving


When is a practical driver assessment indicated? 

The impact of a medical condition/s or disability on driving is not always clear, so a practical driver assessment is used to assess this. These practical, on-road assessments differ from competency to drive tests, routinely conducted for licensing purposes, and are suitable only for those with persistent impairments. 

This component of the assessment is designed to assess the impact of medical conditions, disabilities, or the aging process on driving skills. The assessment is also used to determine the need for special training in compensatory techniques or vehicle modification to assist drivers with musculoskeletal or other disabilities.

Payment:

Payment for the assessment is required either prior to or on the day of the assessment. Payment options include cash, bank transfer, or EFTPOS.

References: Austroads, & National Transport Commission (2022). Assessing Fitness to Drive for Commercial and Private Vehicle Drivers. Sydney, Australia: Austroads.