Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment:
Evaluating Fitness to Drive After Illness, Injury or Disability

What Is an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?

An occupational therapy (OT) driving assessment is a specialist evaluation of whether a person is safe and fit to drive following a medical event, injury, neurological condition or age-related change. Driving relies on physical, cognitive, visual and perceptual skills working together, and a change in any one of them can affect driving safety.

At Physio Inq, OT driving assessments are conducted by trained, experienced occupational therapy assessors. An assessment typically combines a clinical assessment, usually at home or in a community setting, with an on-road assessment. A written report follows, with clear, independent recommendations for the client, their GP or specialist and, where required, the state or territory licensing authority. We accept referrals from GPs, neurologists, geriatricians and other specialists, and assessments are often requested by an insurer or licensing authority. For eligible participants, assessments may be funded through an NDIS plan via our NDIS occupational therapy service, and our team can coordinate with support coordinators where required.

Our OT driving assessments support:

Return to driving after stroke or acquired brain injury
Return to driving after traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Driving with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or epilepsy
Physical changes from amputation, spinal injury, arthritis or orthopaedic surgery
Cognitive or perceptual changes, including dementia and intellectual disability
Vision changes, mental health conditions or medications that may affect driving
Age-related changes in older drivers
Vehicle modification assessment and recommendations
GP, specialist, insurer and licensing authority referrals

Book an appointment or make a referral

The process takes less than 5 minutes. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries and referrals the same day they are received and in most cases, we are able to confirm an appointment time with you within 48hrs. Book for yourself, a loved one, or a client here.

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How We Deliver OT Driving Assessments

An OT driving assessment typically consists of two stages followed by a written report, so recommendations are grounded in both clinical findings and real driving performance.

Clinical Assessment

The clinical assessment is typically conducted at home or in a community setting. The occupational therapist reviews medical history, vision, reaction time, attention, cognition, strength and coordination, along with driving history, usual routes and vehicle set-up. Having recent medical letters and a medication list nearby, and a family member or support person present, can help.

On-Road Assessment

The on-road assessment takes place in real traffic in a dual-controlled vehicle, with the occupational therapist and a qualified driving instructor. Together they observe vehicle control, road rules, hazard perception, lane changes and decision-making on a route chosen to reflect real driving demands. If a pause or break is needed, this can be discussed on the day.

Report and Next Steps

A detailed written report is prepared for the client, their GP or specialist and, where required, the licensing authority. Recommendations may include returning to driving, vehicle modifications, additional lessons or a structured driving rehabilitation program, or support exploring alternative transport options where driving isn’t suitable.

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Who We Support

People Returning to Driving After Stroke or Brain Injury

Stroke and brain injury can affect the physical, cognitive and perceptual skills required for safe driving. A formal OT driving assessment is often required before returning to driving. Our assessors work with treating teams so the process is well coordinated and appropriately timed. Physio Inq also provides stroke rehabilitation physiotherapy and traumatic brain injury physiotherapy.

People Living With Neurological or Physical Conditions

Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, as well as physical changes from amputation, spinal injury or significant orthopaedic injury, can affect driving safety over time. We provide assessments for people who need an updated evaluation of fitness to drive, with structured driving rehabilitation where appropriate. Physio Inq also provides neurological physiotherapy.

Older Australians

Where age-related cognitive or physical changes raise questions about driving safety, an OT driving assessment provides an independent, evidence-based evaluation. Where driving cessation is the appropriate outcome, we support clients through that process, including exploring alternative transport options that help them stay independent and connected to their community. Physio Inq also provides aged care occupational therapy.

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Where We Provide Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments

Physio Inq delivers OT driving assessments in a face to face capcity. Our network of OTs operates in metropolitan, regional, and rural areas, with national coordination provided through our customer service team.

When Is an OT Driving Assessment Recommended?

An OT driving assessment may help when changes to health, mobility or thinking skills have made driving more challenging or uncertain. Assessments are often requested by a GP, medical practitioner, insurer or licensing authority when a medical condition could affect driving safety, and they help support the safety of the driver and others on the road.

Common reasons for referral include:

A GP or specialist advising an assessment before returning to driving
An insurer or licensing authority requesting a fitness to drive evaluation
A stroke, brain injury or other neurological event
Changes in vision, cognition or physical function
Medications or mental health conditions that may affect driving
Assessment for vehicle modifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an occupational therapy driving assessment?

An Occupational therapy driving assessment evaluates the ability of a person with physical, behavioural, or cognitive impairments to drive safely, consistently and independently. It also make recommendations about driver rehabilitation, vehicle modifications and licence conditions required for safe driving.

Can occupational therapy help with driving cessation?

Yes. Aged care occupational therapy often includes support for clients who are reducing or ceasing driving, including assessment of transport alternatives, community access planning and strategies for maintaining independence without a vehicle.

Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment:Evaluating Fitness to Drive After Illness, Injury or Disability