Occupational Therapists
(OT) are professionals who assist people with physical or
mental disabilities to maximize or maintain their ability to
participate in activities of daily living (OT Australia).
OT's with extra qualifications in driver assessment and
training is able to investigate if a long term or permanent
medical condition has an impact on a person’s ability to
drive.
What is the difference between OT Driver Assessment and a
standard driver assessment?
Standard driving test in with licensing centre are designed
for inexperienced drivers. It does
NOT
detect how a medical condition influence one’s ability to
drive safely.
Why is an OT Driver Assessment necessary?
● Physical
or cognitive skills related to driving may have declined
since the first time one obtained his or her driver’s
license
● A physical injury, neurological condition (e.g.
Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis), brain injury,
stroke, illness, disability or mental disorder may have
affected one’s ability to drive safely
● Those who have a medical condition may want to know
whether they are able to drive.
(Vicroads, 2009)
We provide service to both novice drivers with a congenital
or acquired disability and older drivers with cognitive
impairment.
The benefit of OT Driver Assessment
Unsafe drivers are a concern to themselves and other road
user. The assessment will assist to show the drivers how to
improve their skills to drive safely or identify the aids
and equipments required to enable them to drive.
If a driver hasn’t had an OT driver assessment and is
involved in a traffic accident due to his or her medical
condition, the insurance company may not cover the claim. It
is also the driver’s responsibility to notify the insurance
company of the result of the assessment.
(Vicroads, 2009)
What does the assessment involve?
●
Off Road Assessment
-
Driving history screen
-
Visual screen
-
Physical screen
-
Road law and craft test
-
Hazard perception test
●
On Road Assessment
What will happen after being assessed?
● Referral to Perth Integrated Health Clinic Team for
clinical treatment and performance enhancement
● A conditional license with some restrictions may be issued
by licensing centre
● License will be suspended if the person is found unable to
drive safely with the existing medical condition.
How to arrange an OT Driver Assessment
Referrals can be sent by
Medical practitioners (e.g., GPs, neuro specialists)
Allied health professionals (e.g., OT, social worker, nurse)
Family members
Clients themselves
