ASSESSMENT PROCESS
DRIVING ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Occupational therapists are health care specialists that have the necessary qualifications and knowledge required in recognising physical, cognitive or visual deficits which may impact driving safety and competence.
The occupational therapy driving assessment takes approximately 2 – 3 hours to complete comprises of two parts, the first, is an Off Road Assessment and the second is an On Road Assessment.
The assessment takes place where you are most familiar and comfortable, at your primary place of residence, driving in streets or to destinations you are most familiar.
OFF ROAD ASSESSMENT (Stage 1)
The Off Road Assessment is a discussion about your medical and driving history and takes approximately one hour to complete and involves:
- Physical assessment to determine any physical limitations including: range of motion, strength, tone, sensation, balance and coordination.
- Cognitive and perceptual assessments to identify potential deficits associated with concentration, attention, memory, planning, insight or problem solving.
- A vision assessment to determine visual acuity, peripheral vision and eye movement patterns.
The information gathered from the Off Road Assessment is then used to ascertain whether you require a more tailored On Road Assessment or vehicle modifications during the On Road Assessment.
ON ROAD ASSESSMENT (Stage 2)
The On Road Assessment is conducted by a certified Occupational Therapist Driving Assessor. The use of a dual controlled vehicle is necessary for safety in a standard automatic or standard manual vehicle. With access to the required vehicle modifications if necessary. The assessment takes place where you are most familiar and comfortable, at your primary place of residence, driving in streets or to destinations you are most comfortable.
This On Road Assessment takes approximately one hour to complete. Due to the potentionally stressful nature of such assessments we allow you to become familiar with the vehicle initially driving through quiet and familiar streets, then progressing to more complex situations depending on your driving requirements. The On Road Assessment can include, intersections, roundabouts, give-way and stop signs, pedestrian crossings, multi-lane highways, shopping areas, school zones and some driving manoeuvres. When and if appropriate, feedback is provided during the assessment in order to give the driver the opportunity to improve their driving performance.
If necessary, the vehicle can be fitted with modifications such as a spinner knob or left foot accelerator to enable safe driving. Based on the assessment findings, the occupational therapist will make recommendations about strategies, specialised equipment and or lessons to improve your driving safety.
At FREEDOM OT, your freedom is our goal.
Occupational Therapy driving assessment and vehicle modification experts.