Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments
Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments
Supporting safe, informed driving decisions following injury, illness, or medical conditions.
Insight Rehab provides Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments to evaluate a person’s medical fitness to drive and identify whether they can safely continue, return to, or modify their driving.
Our assessments are conducted by qualified driver-trained Occupational Therapists in accordance with relevant transport authority guidelines, supporting safe decision-making for clients, doctors, insurers, and licensing authorities.
Who Needs a Driving Assessment? An Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment may be required if a medical condition or injury could affect your ability to drive safely. This is typically requested by a GP, specialist, or licensing authority when there are concerns about medical fitness to drive. Common conditions include: •Neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, dementia) •Cardiovascular conditions (e.g. heart disease) •Respiratory conditions •Musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. arthritis, reduced mobility or strength) •Vision or hearing impairment •Sleep disorders •Mental health conditions •Cognitive or memory changes
What’s Involved in the Assessment? Our Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment includes both off-road and on-road components to provide a comprehensive evaluation of driving ability. Off-Road Assessment Conducted by a driver-trained Occupational Therapist, this component assesses: •Cognitive and perceptual skills relevant to driving •Reaction time and decision-making ability •Visual processing and attention •Understanding of road rules and safety awareness •Functional ability in relation to driving tasks
On-Road Assessment Conducted in collaboration with a qualified driving instructor in a dual-controlled vehicle, this component assesses: •Vehicle control and handling •Road safety and hazard perception •Traffic awareness and decision-making in real-time conditions •Ability to adapt to road environments safely This structure ensures both clinical assessment and practical, real-world driving evaluation in a safe and supported environment.
Possible Outcomes Following assessment, outcomes may include: •Continuation of current licence status (fit to drive) •Conditional licensing (e.g. restrictions or requirements) •Recommendation for driving lessons or retraining •Temporary suspension of driving pending further recovery or review •Recommendation for licence cancellation where safety is significantly impacted •Recommendations for vehicle modifications to support safe driving All outcomes are communicated clearly with supporting clinical reasoning and, where appropriate, coordinated with relevant medical and licensing stakeholders.
Vehicle Modifications
For individuals with disability or functional limitations, vehicle modifications may support safe driving or passenger travel.
Types of Modifications Modifications can range from minor to complex, including: •Grab rails and transfer aids •Swivel seats and postural supports •Wheelchair hoists and ramps •Hand controls for steering, braking, or acceleration •Specialised driving systems for adapted vehicle control
Mobility Aid Transport We also support assessment and recommendations for transporting mobility aids such as wheelchairs or scooters, including: •Rear-mounted storage systems •Roof hoists and lifting systems •Vehicle ramps and accessible entry modifications •Wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions Vehicle suitability is carefully considered to ensure safe transport, secure restraint, and appropriate vehicle size and configuration.
Our Approach
Our driving assessments are grounded in safety, clinical evidence, and functional capacity.
We focus on:
-
Protecting client and public safety
-
Supporting independence wherever safely possible
-
Providing clear, evidence-based recommendations
-
Working collaboratively with medical practitioners and referrers
-
Ensuring compliance with relevant transport authority requirements
Who We Work With
We provide Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments for:
-
Individuals with medical or functional conditions affecting driving
-
General practitioners and medical specialists
-
Insurance providers and case managers
-
Legal professionals
-
Licensing and regulatory requirements
Service Areas
We provide driving assessment services across:
-
Brisbane & Sunshine Coast regions
Referrals & Forms
Driving assessments typically require a referral from a medical practitioner.
We work closely with GPs and specialists to ensure all required documentation is completed and assessment pathways are clear and efficient.
Need a Driving Assessment?
If you require an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment or want to refer a client, our team can help guide the process and ensure safe, evidence-based decision-making.
Contact Insight Rehab to make a referral or request further information.