We provide OT driver assessment services for new and existing drivers with a disability, illness, injury or medical impairment & who want to begin or return to driving private & commercial vehicles. 
Whether it be riding a motor bike for recreational purposes or driving a heavy rigid truck for work, our Occupational Therapists will perform a comprehensive assessment to determine any requirements & prior to getting you back on the road. 

We will work with you to access any available funding and support you to learn to drive!​

We are industry leaders & are able to use our experience to tailor our services to your individual needs. Our service incorporates latest evidence and conducts on-going research and quality improvement. We volunteer our time to input into a range of policy and environmental factors shaping this areas of practice & to make your experience better, year after year.​

ASSESSMENT FOR COMMERCIAL &
​RIDER LICENCES

Conducted by Nationally Certified Driver Occupational Therapists

​>> Motorcycles (Class R)
>> Medium Rigid (Class MR) vehicles
​>> Heavy Rigid (Class HR) vehicles
​>> Heavy Combination (Class HC) vehicles
​>> Multi-Combination (Class MC) vehicles
​>> Taxi licences (T Extension)
​>> Bus & Charter licences (F Extension)

Automatic, Synchromesh & Unrestricted (Road Ranger) Gearboxes

Our OT Driving Assessments are conducted in 2 parts

Part 1 - Clinical (off-road) Assessment

The Clinical (off-road) Assessment comprises of a series of clinical assessments and is conducted by a Certified Driver Occupational Therapist. This is a comprehensive assessment process which reviews the relevant skills required for driving, targeting any limitations that may impact on the driving task and/or work role. This is completed in our clinic and normally takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. 

The Off-Road (Clinical) Assessment is comprised of the following:

• Interview about your medical, driving history & work role
• Physical assessment to determine any physical limitations including: range of motion, strength, tone, sensation, balance and coordination in the trunk, neck, upper & lower limbs. Any pain you experience is also recorded.
• Cognitive & Perceptual tests to determine the presence of any difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, planning, insight and problem solving skills.
• Knowledge of current road rules to ensure you are aware of road rules and can apply these appropriately in simulated situations.
• Brake reaction test to determine upper and lower limb response times within the driving task.
• A vision assessment to determine visual acuity, peripheral vision and eye movement patterns is also required and may be requested to be completed prior to attending the Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment. 

The information from the clinical assessments is used to determine whether equipment, modifications, driving aids or specialist driving techniques need to be trialled during the 'On-Road' practical component of the assessment & also to determine the format and vehicle required for the practical component. 

Part 2 - Practical (on-road) Evaluation

The on-road assessment is completed in conjunction with an accredited Heavy Vehicle or Motorcycle Training provider & who have experience in the Department of Transport requirements as well has completing medical capacity assessments. Where possible, use of a dual controlled vehicle is necessary and vehicles with an automatic, synchromesh or unrestricted road ranger gearboxes can be arranged for the practical assessment. 

Practical assessments can vary between 60 & 180 minutes and will depend on the class of vehicle you are being assessed for. At times, an assessment may focus more on your work role or environment & in these situations we may complete the practical assessment in your place of work.

The outcome of the assessment will be discussed with you following the on-road driving assessment and you are provided with a Driving Assessment Outcome Summary on completion of the assessment. A report detailing the recommendations is then written by the Occupational Therapist is sent to the Licensing Authority, treating medical practitioner and other recipients as agreed with you at the commencement of the assessment.

Possible Outcomes of the Assessment

• Maintain your current licence status 
• Recommend a short course of driving lessons or further driver rehabilitation
• Recommend appropriate vehicle modifications or driving aids and a short course of driving lessons in the safe and legal use of the vehicle modifications or driving aids
• Downgrade your licence from a heavy vehicle or motor bike class licence to a C Class licence, prior to further assessment in these vehicles
• Suspension of your licence to enable further medical recovery
• Cancellation of your driver’s licence if there is overwhelming evidence to support competencies not being met. This is a decision which involves the Occupational Therapist, the Doctor, and the Department of Transport. 

Contact us for more information >>