The aim of an Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment is to assess fitness to drive and to assist drivers with medical conditions or disabilities to continue to drive safely, independently and legally. The assessment process is used to identify if driver and/or public safety may be compromised or if vehicle modifications and license conditions are required.
The driver assessment process consists of a medical and/or psychiatric report, eyesight report (if required), off-road interview and on-road assessment.
Only specialised Occupational Therapists who are registered with Vic Roads and who have completed post-graduate studies in driver assessment and rehabilitation are able to complete an Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment.
A driver assessment may be requested by Vic Roads to determine if any medical conditions and/or disabilities impact your ability to drive safely and legally and to determine if vehicle modifications or license conditions are required.
If you have a severe, long-term or permanent physical, mental or psychosocial condition that may affect your ability to drive, then you have a legal obligation to notify Vic Roads.
Notification can be made to Vic Roads by you, a family member or your treating doctor. If you fail to notify Vic Roads of your medical condition or disability, and you are involved in an accident, you may be subject to a range of legal ramifications and your vehicle insurance may be void.
The assessment process requires input from your treating doctor and Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor.
Vic Roads may also request a psychiatric report and/or eyesight report.
Once Vic Roads receives the necessary medical reports, you will be advised in writing if you are required to undertake an Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment.
If an assessment has been requested, then you have eight weeks from the date of your letter to complete the assessment process.
In some cases you may be allowed to continue to drive during the eight weeks, or Vic Roads may request that you cease driving until the assessment is completed.
The Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment consists of two components, an 'off-road assessment' and 'on-road assessment'.
Off-Road Assessment
The off-road assessment is structured like an interview during which we get to know you, your driving history and your driving goals. We also complete sensory, cognitive, physical and road law assessments to identify potential areas of concern or need for vehicle modifications.
On-Road Assessment
The on-road assessment is completed in a dual-control car. You will be asked to drive the car on a pre-determined route. A licensed driving instructor will be seated in the front passenger seat and the Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor will be seated in the rear of the vehicle.
At the completion of the off and on-road assessments, the Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor will complete a debrief with you and provide a report to Vic Roads (and yourself) with the licensing recommendations. Vic Roads will then advise you of their decision regarding your license.
We understand that undergoing an Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment can be a daunting experience, but we are here to support you through the process and make you as comfortable as possible.
Vic Roads has two types of car licenses and you can choose which you will be assessed for:
In addition to the above licenses, your Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor may also recommend certain 'conditions' be listed on your license. For example, only driving an automatic vehicle, wearing glasses whilst driving, driving with vehicle modifications or no freeway driving.
If you are unsuccessful in your assessment, then your Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor will discuss the areas of concern and their recommendations moving forward.
There are a range of recommendations that may be made and your Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor will work with you to determine what is appropriate and best supports you.
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