Driver Evaluation
This is the first step and a requirement to go to either Driver Training, Vehicle Fitting or any other of our services.
What is a Driver Evaluation?
A Driver Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s abilities as it relates to safe driving. It is the first step for all other services. The evaluation provides information regarding a person's capabilities and challenges for operating a motor vehicle. The process and testing varies depending on the reason the person is being seen. An older adult driver evaluation is different from a novice driver. Someone who needs vehicle modifications requires an even different approach including what vehicle and/or modifications are needed.
Upon completion of the Driver Evaluation, detailed recommendations are made and provided in a comprehensive written report.
Recommendations may include next steps related to a license or permit status, skill development for deficit areas, referral to other specialized team members (e.g. a low vision optometrist or neuro-optometrist, an occupational therapist or a physical therapist), a preliminary prescription for vehicle modifications, or recommended behind the wheel training.
STEP ONE: Driver completes a comprehensive assessment with our Occupational Therapist/Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist to determine medical fitness, functional status, and appropriate equipment.
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation including clinical testing and behind the wheel assessment. The clinical evaluation includes assessment of physical, visual, cognitive, and behavioral abilities. If adaptive driving equipment is required, we have vehicles with different control options, multiple steering orthotics, a left foot accelerator and pedal extensions of various lengths for trial. A wheelchair accessible vehicle is available for individuals who may need to drive from a power wheelchair or transfer to a 6-way power seat. Often, no special driving equipment is necessary.
An assessment concludes with recommendations for “next steps” if needed, or a summation of the test results and the outcome related to driving independence.
STEP TWO: If Driver Training is Recommended
Training occurs in a DRS company vehicle. If adaptive driving equipment is needed, the vehicle is set up with the equipment determined during the evaluation and specific to the client’s needs.
DRS vehicles have state required dual brakes, extra mirrors, and safety signage.
The driver gains confidence behind the wheel and practices skills needed for independent control operation.
Training assures the person is making safe and independent decisions behind the wheel, judging space and time for merging, changing lanes, and parking, and incorporating consistent visual scanning.
Upon completion, a training report is provided that outlines the next step.
Training occurs at the driver’s location, in their usual driving environment, assuring safe and independent execution of familiar and frequented routes.
For individuals driving without adaptive equipment, Step Two may include taking the DMV road test to obtain a license. If driving with adaptive equipment, the license test takes place on step four. Often, there are several “phases” of Step Two training in which the individual’s skills are advanced over time, building skills such as the use of a GPS, night driving, or interstate driving. This is particularly true for novice drivers with special needs and low vision drivers.
STEP THREE: If adaptive equipment is utilized, the driver begins vehicle modifications and participates in a vehicle fitting.
Following training, if equipment is utilized, a final vehicle prescription for adaptive controls is provided to the client and the client’s vehicle modifier. (refer to driving with adaptive equipment for more details)
STEP FOUR: If adaptive equipment is utilized, the driver completes final training in the newly modified vehicle.
Final training is completed in the client’s modified vehicle and local driving environment to assure the client is proficient and comfortable navigating regular driving routes with the adaptive controls.
Final training includes a trip to the DMV for the client to pass a road test in his/her modified vehicle and obtain adaptive equipment restrictions on his/her license. This is required for the client to be legally endorsed by the State of NC to use adaptive equipment.
Commonly Asked Questions about Driver Evaluations
What assessments are conducted during the driver evaluation?
• Screening of a client’s medical history, driving history, license status
• Clinical evaluations of physical, visual, perceptual, cognitive and behavioral abilities
• Appraisal of driver seating needs and vehicle entry and exit needs
• Determination of needs related to transporting mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, wheelchairs or scooters
• On the road assessment in appropriate driving environments (with or without adaptive equipment as needed)
Where does the evaluation occur?
Evaluations are conducted at one of Driver Rehabilitation Services offices located across the state. Our office manager will ensure the best match for location and therapist based on your needs. When possible, our older adult evaluations are conducted at the client’s home.
Who provides the driver evaluation?
Driver Evaluations are provided by one of our licensed Occupational Therapists devoted solely to the specialty practice of driving.
What differentiates a comprehensive driver evaluation from a clinical only or behind the wheel only driver evaluation?
Comprehensive evaluations include both clinical and behind the wheel assessments. Both are needed in order to correlate a person's physical, visual and cognitive skills critical to safely operating a motor vehicle with behind the wheel functional abilities. A comprehensive evaluation is completed by an occupational therapist with advanced specialty training. This health care professional is skilled in recognizing how changes associated with a medical condition affect behind the wheel performance. The therapist will tailor the evaluation and intervention plans for each individual.
Programs that provide clinical only testing make recommendations without having seen the person drive a vehicle to observe how a deficit area impacts safety. Although clinical results often reveal potential concerns, the impact of these concerns should be verified by observing actual driving performance. Some clinical only programs prescribe adaptive equipment without the person trying the recommended equipment. This can be unsafe or may prove to not offer the best solution for the user. Clinical only programs may offer a driving simulator in leu of driving an actual vehicle. This may lead to findings and recommendations that do not match performance in an actual driving environment.
Programs offering behind the wheel assessments only without first completing clinical evaluations are generally staffed with driving instructors who are not medically trained to detect physical, visual, cognitive, or behavioral challenges that impact vehicle control, perception, judgment and decision making behind the wheel. This type of behind the wheel testing typically looks only at an individuals’ ability to physically operate a vehicle. Other necessary driving skills such as route planning, visual scanning, divided attention, and high level decision making is often overlooked. Recommendations often do not take into consideration a person's health challenges, impairments, or progressiveness of a condition.
Where can I find more information about driver evaluations?
Driving Safety Guides Information from The Hartford Foundation