How much does it cost?
Please contact us so we can provide an up to date fee schedule. Medicare rebates may be available to clients as part of the Enhanced Primary Care Program.
What is an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
The assessment involves an OFF-road assessment in the clinic or in the client’s own home and a practical on-road assessment.
The OFF-road assessment is conducted by a driver trained Occupational Therapist. It involves the following:
- Initial Interview – Information regarding medical and driving history;
- Physical Screen – Range of motion, strength, tone, sensation, coordination and pain levels;
- Vision Screen – Visual acuity, peripheral vision and eye movements;
- Cognitive Screen – Concentration, attention, memory, problem solving and planning skills
The ON-road assessment is either conducted in the client’s own car or in a Driving Instructor’s vehicle with dual brake controls (either manual or automatic). The assessment can be conducted in client’s own vehicle provided that it is roadworthy, registered and insured.
How long does it take?
We usually allow approximately 1 ½ hours for the OFF road assessment, and 1 hour for the ON-road assessment.
What is an OFF–road Assessment – I don’t go plan to go OFF road?
The OFF-road assessment is conducted by a driver trained Occupational Therapist. It involves the following:
- Initial Interview – Information regarding medical and driving history;
- Physical Screen – Range of motion, strength, tone, sensation, coordination and pain levels;
- Vision Screen – Visual acuity, peripheral vision and eye movements;
- Cognitive Screen – Concentration, attention, memory, problem solving and planning skills
How do I make an appointment?
You can refer yourself, or a family member, or you can be referred by your treating Doctor. In most cases the treating Doctor will be contacted to discuss medical history and to complete the documentation required to conduct a driving assessment.
Referrals can be made by email – under the ‘contact us’ tab, or by phone or fax using details provided on our website.
What areas do we cover?
We cover from Coffs Harbour in the North, to Forster in the South. If you do not live in the Port Macquarie area, Assessments can be conducted in your town, however additional costs will be charged to cover travel costs. Please contact us for further information regarding travel costs to other areas.
Who would benefit from an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
Many people benefit from an assessment, including those who have, or suffer from:
- Dementia or cognitive decline
- Neurological conditions (including strokes and brain injury)
- Arthritic conditions
- Back, neck, upper or lower limb injuries
- Upper or lower limb amputees
- Mental Health Disorders
- Short/tall stature
How long does it take for report to be sent to the RMS?
Reports are sent to the RMS within 2 days of the assessment. However an RMS Adjudicator must review the report and accept the recommendation before a new licence can be issued.
The usual turnaround time is up to 28 days. You will be sent a letter from the RMS advising the outcome.
What happens after the Assessment?
When the assessment has been completed, the results will be discussed with you. A range of outcomes are possible, including:
- The drivers licence is not altered in any way and the client can drive without restrictions
- A conditional licence is recommended either temporarily or permanently
- The drivers licence is cancelled or suspended temporarily or permanently
- The driver is required to undertake a program of driving lessons prior to returning to driving
- The driver is provided with rehabilitation advice and is reassessed at a later date
- The driver is required to sit and pass an RMS driving test prior to resuming driving
Do I get a copy of Report?
You will be sent a summary of the report outlining the recommendations by the Occupational Therapist. A full copy of the report will be sent to your Doctor.
What if I need further information?
You can contact us via the website, email or phone.
