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OT Driving Assessment

Regaining Confidence Behind the Wheel

Enabling Independence Through Safe & Law-abiding Driving

An Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor (OTDA) supports individuals to gain, maintain, or restore their capacity to drive. The aim is to ensure a person can drive safely, independently, and in accordance with current road laws.

Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments are considered the gold-standard method for evaluating a person’s ability to drive when there are health, cognitive, or physical changes. These assessments are conducted by qualified occupational therapists who specialise in assessing driving capability and fitness to drive.

Driving is often an important part of independence, identity, and daily life. Our OT Driving Assessors aim to maximise your opportunity to continue driving, while ensuring safety for you and others on the road.

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Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment

Why do you need an 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.

Driving is a complex task. However, driving is a complex task that requires a combination of:

Physical abilities
Cognitive skills
Sensory awareness
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.
  •  
  • Safety is a key part of an OTDA, ensuring both your wellbeing and the safety of others on the road. Assessments are conducted using supervised environments, qualified driving instructors, dual-control vehicles, and in line with current road regulations.

Assessing Changes That Impact Driving

Who May Need a Driving Assessment

A person is driving a car, holding the steering wheel with both hands. The dashboard and a blank screen are visible, and the road ahead appears clear and sunny.

An OTDA may be recommended when a person experiences changes that affect their ability to drive safely. Either your doctor or a health professional will ask you to undertake the OTDA. 

  • Common conditions that may impact driving include:
  • • Stroke
  • • Acquired brain injury (ABI / TBI)
  • • Multiple sclerosis
  • • Parkinson’s disease
  • • Visual impairments
  • • Diabetes (e.g. peripheral neuropathy or visual changes)
  • • Psychiatric conditions
  • • Neurodivergent conditions (e.g. ASD)
  • • Sleep disorders
  • • Cardiac conditions
  •  

These assessments are typically recommended by a doctor or health professional when a medical condition or disability may affect driving performance.

Two-Part Assessment

The Driving Assessment Process

Off-Road Assessment
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. 

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.

This typically includes:

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. 

This typically includes:

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.

Possible Results

Assessment Outcomes

  • Following the on-road assessment, outcomes may include:
Licence retained with no conditions
Licence retained with conditions
Licence suspended or cancelled
Recommendation for further rehabilitation or re-testing

If needed, a therapy program may be recommended to improve driving skills prior to reassessment.

  • Vehicle Modification Assessment

Occupational therapists may assess the need for vehicle modifications and return-to-driving support to help individuals drive safely and comfortably. This may include adaptations such as hand controls, pedal extensions, steering aids, other adaptive equipment

  •  
  • Return-to-Driving Rehabilitation

For individuals recovering from injury or illness, return-to-driving rehabilitation focuses on rebuilding driving skills and confidence in a structured and supported way. This is commonly used following stroke, brain injury, major illness or injury, or reduced confidence in driving.

Prior expectations

Preparing for Your OT Driving Assessment

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Medical Assessment
Before scheduling an occupational therapy driving assessment, medical clearance may be required from your healthcare provider. This helps identify any underlying conditions that may affect driving safety, such as seizure activity, cardiac conditions, or other health concerns.
Gather Relevant Information
Providing your occupational therapist with relevant medical history, medications, and recent health changes helps ensure the assessment is tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
Vehicle Familiarity
Being familiar with your vehicle’s controls and features can help make the assessment process smoother and more comfortable during the evaluation.
Prepare for Cognitive and Physical Tasks
Driving assessments involve both cognitive and physical tasks, including reaction time, decision-making, and coordination. Staying mentally and physically active beforehand can help provide a more accurate assessment of your abilities.
Open Communication
Discussing any concerns or questions with your occupational therapist helps ensure the assessment addresses your specific needs and supports a comfortable and collaborative experience.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need a referral?

Yes, referrals are typically made by your GP or treating medical practitioner.

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.

What if your license has expired or is expiring?

As part of the OTDA, you need to engage in an on-road assessment. Without a valid driver’s license, you will not be allowed to do that. Therefore, please renew your license. When renewing, bring along the Medical certificate (F3712) with you and on the certificate, your GP will indicate that you need an OT assessment.

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?
Part 1 of the assessment can take place at your home with the driving OT. Part 2 of the assessment (on-road) can take place in your local area with your OT and driving instructor. We have a clinic at Medsana, Eight Mile Plains where your assessments can take place as well.
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.

Are you eligible for NDIS support?

My Rehab Team is a registered NDIS provider. We support participants funded through the NDIS, as well as individuals referred through care providers.

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