Driver Assessment Process

Who needs an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?

The first thing I do when anyone contacts me is confirm whether they actually need to see me.
Folks who do include:

  • They have received a letter from Transport for NSW they need to see an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor

  • Their doctor (GP or Specialist) has advised them they need an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment

  • They have been diagnosed with a medical condition (as listed in Assessing Fitness to Drive)

A silver car parked on a grassy area with trees and blue sky in the background. There are old trailers, metal frames, and a large blue structure or enclosure behind the car.
Newcastle NSW Occupational Driving Assessments to get you back on the road.
Young people driving with a disability in Newcastle NSW

What is the Occupational Therapy Driving
Assessment Process?

Step 1 - Before the assessment

Before the assessment can commence, I need to two things: 

  • A referral from your General Practitioner or Specialist

  • To check your licence status through the Transport for NSW Medical Unit to make sure it is current, as well as to check if there are any conditions on the licence and/or if there are any suspensions upcoming.

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Step 2 - Before getting in the vehicle

During the Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment, we will complete the following before we get in the car:

  • Interview – where I learn about your medical history, your driving history, and the places you normally drive to

  • Vision - including visual acuity (VA), visual fields (VF) and binocular eye movement

  • Physical Function – how you operate the vehicle controls and observe the driving environment

  • Cognitive Function – how you think and process information

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Step 3 - The onroad assessment

We get in the Rehab Driving Instructor’s (RDI’s) car and go for a drive around the places you normally drive.  You drive, the RDI sits in the front seat and I sit behind him/her.

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Step 4 - Discussion of my recommendation to Transport NSW

Immediately following Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments, I discuss my recommendation with my client and their support person (with their consent). I generally recommend one of the following options:

  • Continue to drive as you were with no additional conditions required

  • Vehicle modifications and rehabilitation driving lessons to teach you to drive with the modifications. This process is agreed between the client and the RDI

  • Lessons

  • Referral to another health professional – such as an optometrist or an orthopitist

  • Conditions added to your licence such as distance from home

  • Cancellation of your licence

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Step 5 - Reporting

After the assessment, I write my report using the template from Transport for NSW – the Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment Report. I send copies to you, the referring doctor and Transport for NSW Medical Unit.

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Step 6 - After the assessment

Transport for NSW process my report and send you a letter confirming the outcome.