otdriverassessment@bigpond.com
Occupational Therapy Services
The Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment
You may have received a letter from VicRoads asking you to undertake an occupational therapy (OT) driving test to review your driving ability as a result of a recent health or medical diagnosis, accident on the road, or following an unsuccessful VicRoads older driver test.
The occupational therapy driving assessment consists of:
- an assessment off the road with you and your OT to assess physical and cognitive skills
- an on road practical assessment with your OT using a specialised driving instructor in a dual controlled car
- a written report which is sent to VicRoads and your GP outlining the result of the assessment and any recommendations or conditions on your licence
Medical clearance indicating medical fitness to drive a car must be obtained from VicRoads prior to undertaking your assessment. We will seek medical clearance from VicRoads or guide you through the process if required.
Learning To Drive With An Occupational Therapist
A diagnosed disability may indicate the need to learn to drive under the guidance of an occupational therapist. We work with learners who have physical and intellectual disabilities. We assess an inexperienced driver’s potential to develop the skills required to be a safe driver and obtain a probationary licence. We can help start the learning to drive experience with accurate advice and supports for anyone who has a disability that affects thinking skills (such as new learning, attention or problem solving), or the physical skills required to operate standard vehicle controls.
You may need to seek our assistance if you have one of the following conditions:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Intellectual Disability
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Any physical condition indicating the need to drive with modified controls, or where there is a question about effective operation of the vehicle
Your GP, health professional or support coordinator can help you to plan for this, or feel free to contact us to directly to discuss your needs.
Driving With Vehicle Modifications
Driving technology and options for driving a car with vehicle modifications have advanced significantly over the years. Your occupational therapist will assess whether modifications are needed to help you to drive safely and independently.
An occupational therapy driving assessment will:
- enable you to trial a variety of vehicle controls and work out the best vehicle set up for your specific needs to drive independently and safely
- enable to you undertake ongoing practice with an instructor who can provide a vehicle suited to your needs
- assist you with the process of funding applications and where to source any vehicle modifications
- direct you to vehicle modifiers who can modify your vehicle to suit your needs
Driver Rehabilitation Services
Following your occupational therapy driving test lessons with a qualified driving instructor may be recommended.
There may be several reasons for this:
- to learn to use modified driving controls
- to correct some concerns that have been identified with your driving as a result of a recent health diagnosis
- to rectify some poor driving practices you have developed over the years
- to learn to drive as a learner driver with a disability
We can assist you to find a suitable instructor for your needs to help you work towards getting back on the road.
