Occupational Therapy/ Senior Driving Assessments
An Occupational Therapy driving assessment helps NDIS participants drive safely, independently, and legally. Your Local Driving Academy partnership with different Occupational Therapist to conduct On-Road OT driving assessment.
Benefits of Driving Assessments:
- For first-time and learner drivers: Assists from before they start driving until they get their licence.
- For drivers maintaining a licence: Helps those whose disability may impact their driving.
- For drivers regaining a licence: Assists those returning to driving.
After a driving assessment, a driver-trained Occupational Therapist (OT) often suggests driver rehabilitation, vehicle modifications, and licence conditions.
What is an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
This assessment includes both off-road and on-road components.
Off-Road Component: A driver-trained OT will:
- Inquire about the participant’s driving and medical history.
- Test understanding of road laws.
- Assess physical, visual, sensory, and cognitive abilities.
This component evaluates:
- Functional limitations.
- Understanding of safe driving.
- Need for vehicle modifications or specific licence conditions.
- Requirements for the on-road test, including vehicle type (automatic or manual) and necessary modifications.
On-Road Component: Involves driving a dual-controlled car for about an hour with a driver-trained OT and a driving instructor. It assesses:
- Physical limitations.
- Judgment and ability to adapt to traffic situations.
- Response to traffic.
- Adherence to road laws.
- Ability to perform driving tasks despite distractions (e.g., talking).
After the OT Driving Assessment
For experienced drivers, the assessment determines if they can safely return to driving, with or without conditions, or if they need vehicle modifications (potentially funded by the NDIS). For example, a stroke might impair upper limb function, necessitating a steering aid for safe one-handed driving.
Driver Licensing Conditions:
These conditions ensure the safety of the driver and other road users and may include:
- Wearing corrective lenses.
- Driving automatic or specially modified vehicles.
- Driving only during daylight or in specific areas.
If modifications are needed, such as a steering aid or a left foot accelerator, the equipment will be fitted, and the OT will recommend driving lessons (possibly NDIS-funded) to learn using the modifications independently.
For learner drivers with limited experience, the assessment indicates current driving skills, allowing the OT to recommend driving lessons to advance towards a provisional licence.
How can Your Local Driving Academy help?
Your Local Driving Academy is ready to provide lessons to help you learn the necessary skills to drive safely. We are NDIS registered Driving Trainer. We are partnership with on-road OT driving assessment with third party occupational therapist.
Some lessons may be covered by the NDIS, such as establishing the skills to use a modified vehicle or if you require additional lessons to learn to drive due to your medical condition. For more information, contact Your Local Driving Academy today or fill the referral form to take the first step towards driving independence.
