Our Services: Day Patient Programs

Driver Assessment & Education Program

Driving is an important part of our lifestyle and contributes to our independence. Driving a vehicle is a complex task which requires many skills such as:

• being alert to what is happening in traffic;
• thinking about the traffic and planning what to do;
• breaking, accelerating, steering and/or signaling in response to what you have seen;
• Being up to date with current road rules and driving procedures.

Ageing, illness or injury may affect these skills and impact on a person's ability to drive safely. This may result in the driver requiring physical modifications to their vehicle or learning new driving techniques.

The driver assessment and education program provides a number of specialized services which focuses on assisting individuals to stay driving or to return to driving.

The Driver Assessment & Education Program is managed by an Occupational Therapist who is registered with the Road's and Traffic Authority (RTA). The therapist is qualified to assess the impact of a driver's medical condition on their ability to drive safely and legally.

Professional support is also available from:

• Rehabilitation Physician
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Case managers

Services Available

Driver assessment

Our assessments are for patients of any age and driving experience, who are required to undergo an Occupational Therapy driving assessment as outlined in the AustRoads ‘Assessing fitness to drive’ manual, or as clinically indicated. The assessments are completed by a qualified Driver Trained Occupational Therapist.

The Driver Assessment comprises two parts:

1. The off road assessment consists of a review of the person’s medical history and driving experience, followed by an assessment of their physical, visual and cognitive status in relation to driving. This takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
2. The on-road assessment consists of a 50 minute on-road driving assessment in a vehicle fitted with dual brakes with a qualified driving instructor and the driver trained Occupational Therapist.

Following the assessment, recommendations are made to the RTA Medical Unit regarding the person’s ongoing fitness to drive. Possible outcomes of the assessment include:

1. The person is considered fit to drive without further intervention or with certain conditions.
2. The person is considered unfit to drive resulting in cancellation of licence.
3. Recommendations are made for a series of lessons with a qualified driving instructor under the Mt Wilga Driving program to address poor driving behaviours and/or to learn to use specific vehicle modifications. Lessons would usually be followed by an on-road reassessment by the Occupational Therapist. Should vehicle modifications be required, the person will be required to complete an RTA Disability test and have any vehicle modifications endorsed on their licence.

Vehicle seating assessment

An individual assessment developed specifically for individuals experiencing pain or limb fatigue when driving. Education is given regarding appropriate sitting and driving posture, as well as specific driving techniques to alleviate discomfort. Trial and prescription of back and seat supports is available, if appropriate. Advice regarding car transfer technique is also covered.

Referrals

The program is available to the following individuals

• Any person over 16 years of age who has sustained an injury or illness which may affect their ability to drive safely
• Any person who is experiencing the impact of ageing on their good driving habits
• Any person who has been advised by the RTA or medical professional that they must complete an assessment with an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor

Referrals can be made by anyone including the client, family members, general practitioner, medical specialist or other health professional.