An occupational therapy driving assessment may be helpful for:

• Older adults where concerns have been raised by a GP, optometrist, family member or other health professional.

•  People recovering from stroke, brain injury, orthopaedic injury or neurological illness.

•  Drivers living with a medical condition that may require review of driving safety over time.

•  People returning to driving after illness, injury, medication changes or a significant change in function.

The occupational therapy driving assessment is split into three parts:

1. Pre-drive

The first part of the process is a pre-drive clinical assessment, in clinic or at your own home. This includes a discussion about:

•  Your health history

•  Your driving experience

•  Eye test results

•  Any doctor reports

Also screened are the functional skills that support safe driving, such as:

•  Your eyesight for driving

•  How fast you react

•  Your strength and coordination

•  Thinking skills like attention and decisions

2. On-road 

The on-road component is usually completed in a dual-control vehicle with a qualified driving instructor also present. During this part of the assessment, we look for:

•  How you manage the vehicle

•  Responses to traffic situations

•  Following traffic rules and apply safe driving strategies in practice

If relevant, the assessment may also consider the use of vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment. This helps determine whether changes to the vehicle may improve safety, comfort or access.

3. Report

After the assessment, a report is prepared outlining the findings and recommendations. Recommendations may include:

• Continuing to drive with an unrestricted license

• Driving with conditions

• Undertaking further lessons or rehabilitation

• Exploring vehicle modifications, or

• Planning for alternative transport if driving is no longer considered safe.

Recommendations from the assessment are provided to your treating doctor, referrer, funder or the relevant licensing authority, depending on the purpose of the assessment.

•  Private payment available. Contact me for current prices.

•  Some insurance schemes can be billed directly (e.g. MAIB, NDIS self-managed, DVA).

• Assessments are provided across southern Tasmania. Travel outside Hobart can be arranged where appropriate (additional charges apply for travel beyond Hobart local area).

•  Referrals are welcome from GPs, specialists, optometrists, allied health professionals, case managers, family members, as well as self-referrals.