Frequently Asked Questions

---

OT's make recommendations to VicRoads regarding ongoing safety and independence to drive. VicRoads make all final decisions regarding your licence status. If your licence has an X condition on it specifying that you can only drive in a dual controlled vehicle you cannot drive either independently, or with another licence holder until VicRoads notify you in writing that this condition has been lifted. You should always check your licence status with VicRoads before resuming independent driving. 

As an experienced driver you will already have knowledge of practical road law application. Brushing up on road law is always a good idea, however our road law test is not about knowing technical road law, but rather practical rules and road craft skills that that you should have developed over your driving life. Study of the road law shouldn't be a stressful exercise leading up to your test. 

You may continue to drive while waiting for an assessment provided there is no X condition on your licence specifying the need to drive in a dual controlled vehicle for the purposes of an assessment, or your licence has not been suspended or expired. If your doctor or health professional has asked you to cease driving pending your assessment you are encouraged to follow their advice regardless of your licence status. 

You must undertake the assessment using a dual controlled car for safety. Please discuss use of an alternative instructor with us at the time of booking. We do not use instructors who we are unfamiliar with when assessing for an open licence.

If you would like to undertake lessons before your assessment please discuss this with us first. We will be able to advise if lessons are likely to be worthwhile for your situation, as well as who may be an appropriate instructor to use. 

If you fail your test you will be advised  to cease driving from that point on. Your OT will ascertain whether the fail was as a result of deterioration in skills and/or a poor understanding and application of VicRoads criteria. Your OT will be able to advise whether further assessment, lessons, or a retirement from driving is indicated. 

We are a busy practice and it is not always possible to see you in the specified timeframe VicRoads ask for you to complete your assessment. If your suspension date is approaching we will endeavour to arrange for an extension from VicRoads to avoid licence suspension whilst awaiting your assessment. 

The OT driving assessment is a two-part process consisting of both an off road and on road driving assessment. An OT is an allied health professional who has an understanding of how health conditions, disability and aging can impact driving performance. Occupational Therapists are not employed by VicRoads to complete this test, however submit a report to VicRoads providing a recommendation about your capabilities & driving safety based on your performance on the OT assessment. The older driver test completed by VicRoads is a test completed by VicRoads trained driving assessors and consists of a single session drive with a VicRoads instructor. This assessment does not consider medical conditions and their impact on driving. 

You must satisfy set criteria stipulated by VicRoads to pass your driving test. These are separated into Critical and Performance errors. Any Critical errors you make during the test will mean that you will fail. One example of this is if the instructor has to provide any physical or verbal assistance to prevent you from doing something unsafe, (for example - applying the brake to avoid a dangerous situation). You will be provided with written information about the criteria prior to your on road test. Your OT will discuss this at the time of the Off Road assessment and immediately prior to the start of the test. 

If you have a condition that is expected to deteriorate over time it is likely that VicRoads will request further medical clearance and completion of future OT driving assessments. Conditions such as Dementia and Parkinson's Disease are examples of conditions that we know affect driving performance over time, hence requiring ongoing assessment to monitor safety as the disease progresses. 

Assessment fees will be discussed at the time of booking. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment. Fees are dependent on the assessment location and funding eligibility. Fees are inclusive of the initial OT assessment including on and off road appointments, driving instructor fee and report writing.