Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment
An OT Driving Assessor (OTDA) is involved in enabling and supporting an individual to gain, maintain or restore their capacity to drive. This OTDA input is to ensure that the participant possesses the ability to be safe, independent and law-abiding when driving.
What is Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
Occupational therapy driving assessments (OTDA) are the gold-standard method for evaluating an individual’s ability to drive safely, independently, and according to current road law despite various health challenges that they may be facing. These assessments are conducted by qualified occupational therapists who specialise in assessing driving capabilities. An OTDA aims to maximise a person’s opportunity to independently participate in driving whilst ensuring that road safety is supported.
The assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, including physical and cognitive abilities, perceptual skills, and overall fitness to drive. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have experienced a change in health or mobility, such as those recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or adapting to the challenges of ageing.
Who may be required to undertake Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
When a person presents with weaknesses or limitations with the functional components necessary for driving, their capacity to drive can be placed in jeopardy and an Occupational therapy driving assessment (OTDA) can be required.
Common conditions that are likely to affect a person’s capacity to drive can include:
- Diabetes (e.g. peripheral neuropathy & visual deficits)
- Visual impairments
- Neurological conditions (Multiple Sclerosis, ABI/TBI, Stroke, Parkinson’s)
- Psychiatric (Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder)
- Neuro-Divergent (ASD)
- Sleep Disorders
- Heart (Cardiac) Disease
With conditions that can be unpredictable or that involve a rapid on-set of symptoms are sometimes best managed and treated by a treating practitioner. These types of conditions are sometimes not best addressed by an OT Driving Assessment. Examples can include: Epilepsy, Hypoglycaemia, and Heart Disease.
Either your doctor or a health professional will ask you to undertake the OTDA. It is important to note that these assessments are only recommended if there is a medical condition or disability that is potentially impacting on your driving skills.
Why do you need an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment (OTDA)?
Driving can often be an important part of our roles, identity, and lives, and for a lot of us is a crucial factor regarding freedom, autonomy, and independence.
However, driving is a complex task and requires competency with:
1) Physical
2) Cognitive
3) Sensory
4) Perceptual skills
When a person presents with weaknesses or limitations with the functional components necessary for driving, their capacity to drive can be placed in jeopardy and an OTDA can be required.
A patient requires a Medical Fitness to Drive according to the Australian Fitness to Drive standards in order to participate in an OTDA.
Medical fitness to drive can be reported by a treating medical practitioner and a form will be completed that provides a basic presentation and function to indicate why they do or do not present with Medical fitness to drive.
A referral is made for an OTDA when they are medically fit to drive, but also have a genuine limitation regarding performance component/s related to driving.
Please speak to your GP for more information on the OTDA referral process.
The process of Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment (OTDA)
An OT Driving Assessment (OTDA) is administered by a certified OT Driving Assessor.
A standard OT Driving Assessment is comprised of two sections:
1) Off-road assessment
2) On-road assessment
Off-road Assessment (approx. 1.5 hours)
Conducted in a clinic setting, this initial assessment evaluates cognitive abilities, visual perception, and overall fitness to drive. Simulations, questionnaires, and discussions may be employed to gauge the individual’s understanding of road rules and their capacity to make safe driving decisions.
Typically 1.5 hours in duration with our certified OT Driving Assessor utilising the commonly used OT-DORA Battery.
This off-road assessment does not involve scoring to achieve a ‘pass or fail’ mark, but it does serve as a crucial opportunity for the treating OT Driving Assessor to screen a person regarding the functional components necessary for driving.
Specifically, it consists of:
- Initial interview (education on the process, acquiring consent, driving history, medical background, etc.)
- Physical assessment
- Sensory assessment
- Cognitive assessment
- Perceptual assessment
The assessing OTDA will then apply clinical reasoning to a patient’s performance in the off-road assessment to determine whether they are an appropriate candidate for the on-road assessment and will use the information gathered to inform the structure and administration of the on-road test.
On-road Assessment (approx. 1.5 hours)
Following the off-road assessment, individuals deemed fit will proceed to an on-road evaluation. The on-road assessment involves driving on actual roads with a driving instructor, allowing the occupational therapist to observe from the back on the individual’s practical driving skills, decision-making, and adherence to road rules. The therapist may provide feedback in real-time and assess the individual’s ability to navigate various traffic conditions.
It is typically comprised of:
- Familiarisation drive (10 minutes)
- Pre-planned route (~30 minutes)
- Feedback following the completion of the on-road component (~10 minutes)
A Driving Instructor (DI) is required for the completion of an on-road assessment. Best and safest practice involves use of a dual-control vehicle, with the familiarisation drive being completed on quiet side streets.
During this on-road assessment, the instructor is responsible for communicating instructions and for the safety of all passengers. The OTDA is then responsible for observation, note-taking (documentation), and communication of any necessary adjustments to the pre-planned route.
Post On-road Assessment
Following the on-road assessment, an individual can have their license:
- Retained with nil conditions.
- Retained with conditions.
- Suspended or cancelled, with potential OTDA re-testing.
- If an individual does not present with safe, independent and law-abiding driving then an OTDA may recommend a therapy program to be completed prior to a re-test.
Vehicle Modification Assessment
For individuals who may require vehicle modifications to drive safely, this part of the assessment focuses on determining the necessary adaptations. Occupational therapists may evaluate the need for modifications such as hand controls, pedal extensions, or steering aids to accommodate specific physical challenges.
Return-to-Driving Rehabilitation
This part of an OT Driving Assessor’s input helps rehabilitate driving performance for individuals recovering from significant health events, such as a stroke or traumatic injury. This assessment focuses on developing rehabilitation plans. Occupational therapists work with individuals to address specific challenges and gradually reintroduce driving skills in a safe and controlled manner.
Preparing for Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment
1. Medical Clearance
Before scheduling an occupational therapy driving assessment, individuals are often required to obtain medical clearance from their healthcare provider. This ensures that any underlying medical conditions that may compromise road safety are assessed (e.g. seizure activity or cardiac conditions).
2. Gather Relevant Information
Individuals should provide the occupational therapist with all necessary information about their medical history, including details about any medications they are taking and any recent changes in their health. This information aids the occupational therapist in tailoring the assessment to the individual’s specific needs.
3. Vehicle Familiarity
Familiarity with the vehicle’s controls and features is essential for a smooth evaluation process.
4. Prepare for Cognitive and Physical Tasks
Occupational therapy driving assessments include both cognitive and physical tasks to evaluate reaction times, decision-making abilities, and physical coordination. Preparing for such tasks by staying mentally and physically active can contribute to a more accurate assessment.
5. Open Communication
Individuals should feel comfortable discussing any concerns or questions they may have with the occupational therapist. Open communication ensures that the assessment is tailored to address specific worries or challenges, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Thus, finding the right occupational therapist who you feel comfortable to work with is crucial. I
If you don’t already have a regular occupational therapist, you can use The ‘Find an OT‘ search facility to locate a provider who services your area or contact NDIS – Ph: 1800 800 110.
What if your license has expired or is expiring?
How does an OT help you with your driving lessons?
Our OTs can assist you with the challenges that you have to participate effectively in your driving lessons. Our OTDA will assess and identify the specific challenges and possible strategies, and one of our other OTs will assist you to work through to them. To avoid a conflict on interest, your OTDA may not assist you with your lessons in case he needs to be your driving assessor eventually.
Will the NDIS pay?
As long as driving is one of your NDIS goals, your OTDA supports, including the OT input required to help you to take part in driving lessons, can be funded through the NDIS. However, NDIS will not fund your driving lessons.
Where will your OT driving assessment take place?
What do I need to bring for my OT driving assessment?
Please download and refer to the OT Driving Pre-Appointment Advice.
What does the cost of the assessment include?
It includes the OT assessment, the on-road assessment with the OT and driving instructor and the driving instructor, and a report that will be submitted to your GP and TMR.
Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment Safety
Ensuring safety during occupational therapy driving assessments is paramount. Occupational therapists prioritise the well-being of individuals and others on the road.
Safety measures include:
-
- Supervised Environments: On-road assessments are conducted in a supervised dual-controlled driving instructor’s car to mitigate potential risks.
- Emergency Protocols: Therapists are trained to handle emergency situations, ensuring immediate response and care if needed.
- Compliance with Regulations: Assessments adhere strictly to road regulations to maintain a safe testing environment.
Conclusion
Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments can be crucial for supporting independence and safety on the road. By understanding the process, adequately preparing for assessments, recognising the various evaluation types, and appreciating the emphasis on safety and effective techniques, individuals can navigate this journey with confidence. Occupational therapists are dedicated to fostering safe and independent driving experiences, contributing to a sense of autonomy for all.
Please speak to your GP for more information on the OTDA referral process.
For more prepartion advice read our article Best tips on preparing for your OT Driving Assessment Test.
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