FACTS
- A driving evaluation must be ordered by a provider.
- A licensed third party conducts an unbiased evaluation. No medical information is provided to the evaluator.
- An occupational therapist conducts an assessment at a therapy center. It is not an on-road driving test.
- Depending on the results, an on-road driving test may be recommended.
- The test is not covered by insurance. Payment is required at time of service.
- The driving evaluation takes approximately two hours.
PREPARATION
- Adequate rest
- No recent changes to medications
- No recent surgery or medical procedures
DRIVING EVALUATION COMPONENTS
- Driving history
- Physical assessment
- Joint range of motion
- Muscle strength
- Eye-hand and eye-foot coordination
- Sensation
- Balance
- Test of visual-perceptual skills
- Vision screening
- Near and far acuity
- Color blindness
- Peripheral vision
- Depth perception
- Cognitive assessment
- Reaction time test
- Knowledge and recognition of road signs
RESULTS
- The occupational therapist will provide results to the examinee and caregiver(s) present immediately following the driving evaluation.
- A written report will be provided to the provider along with any recommendations.
- Possible recommendations to the examinee
- Passes and no restrictions.
- Passes with restrictions such as no night driving or special adaptive equipment.
- Results are undetermined and an on-road test by a certified driving instructor needed.
- The evaluator will provide contact information for a certified driving instructor.
- The examinee should not drive until the on-road test is completed and recommendations are obtained.
- A written report will be provided to the provider along with any recommendations.
- Failed and deemed unsafe to drive.
- Results sent to the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Driver’s license is surrendered.
- An appeal process is available if the examinee feels the evaluation is incorrect.
- Re-evaluation on a yearly basis is recommended for anyone with a progressive disease that may impact continued ability to drive safely.
