We provide OT driver assessment & training services for new drivers with a disability, illness or medical impairment & who want to begin driving. This service begins with an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment and in order to identify driver training needs. Once your needs have been identified & you have been issued with the appropriate licence, our Driver Rehabilitation Therapists & Driving Instructors will work with you, at your own pace, incorporating any strategies or aids to overcome any limitations, and to help you find your independence!

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.​

DRIVER REHABILITATION & TRAINING LESSONS

Certified and experienced in driver training

​>> Learn to drive a modified vehicle 
>> Learn to use specialised driving techniques 
>> Improve driver confidence or managing anxiety
>> Prepare to sit a Department of Transport Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)
>> Learn strategies such as defensive driving to compensate for changes
>> Learn strategies and reference points to overcome visual or physical changes
>> Learn cognitive behavioural techniques to manage different driving situations
>> Tailor driver training stages to better suit your capabilities

Driver Rehabilitation & Driver Training Services

Occupational Therapy Services Group provides Occupational Therapists who have completed further Certification to work as Driver Rehabilitation Therapist, & also provides Certified Driving Instructors with experience in Driver Rehabilitation. We specialise in the assessment and remediation of people with a variety of disabilities, illnesses, injuries or medical impairments and who wish to begin or return to driving safely and legally.

Services

1. A comprehensive assessment of driving skills, knowledge and abilities 
2. Specialty driver remediation tailored to address the individual's specific needs 
3. Advice on vehicle modifications and driving aids, including experience with training in their safe and legal use 
4. Advice and information for people undergoing a Department of Transport Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) 
5. Application of strategies & techniques in driving to overcome any limitations experienced
6. Defensive driver strategies to enhance your driving safety

A Driver Rehabilitation Program is developed following the Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment and may include:

• Learning to drive a modified vehicle e.g. spinner knob, hand controls, altered foot pedals, altered clutch, drive from wheelchair conversion etc.
• Learning specialised driving techniques e.g. use of additional mirrors for blind spot checks, pain management strategies with or without appropriate driving aids, strategies for decision making in complex driving environments etc.
• Improving driver confidence or managing anxiety
• Preparation to sit a Department of Transport Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) or other driving assessment
• Learning strategies such as defensive driving to compensate for slowed motor, visual or cognitive processing
• Learning strategies and reference points to overcome visual or physical changes
• Learning cognitive behavioural techniques to manage different driving situations

What is the difference from 'standard' driving lessons?

The difference between Driver Rehabilitation and 'standard' Driving Lessons is that the Driving Instructor and Occupational Therapist posses special training in the area of disability and medical conditions. Our Driving Instructors or Occupational Therapists have a background and experience in rehabilitation. The Occupational Therapist has completed training in driver remediation and the Driving Instructors have completed further training in the implications of medical conditions on driving.

Driver rehabilitation targets physical, visual, sensory, behavioural and/or cognitive changes as well as a persons knowledge. Where as 'standard' driving lessons only target the person's knowledge about the vehicle and road environment.

We have our own modified vehicles to suit a variety of driving requirements, including:

• Hand controls for acceleration and brake - including a push/pat mechanical lever; electronic combined accelerator/brake lever & electronic 'thumb throttle' satellite accelerator
• Left foot accelerator pedals - flip up/ flip down
• Steering wheel aids - we have a variety of styles of spinner knobs and including joystick, ball, glove, and tri-spin types
• Remote keypads for ancillary controls such as window wipers, indicators and lights
• Transferring aids such as slide boards, transferring plates, and other small transfer aids like handybars 
• Postural supports 
• Adapted mirrors and visual aids
• Back and seat cushioning
• Wheelchair hoist and stowage

Our services are designed for people with physical, cognitive, visual, sensory or age related changes. We work with novice or experienced drivers and tailor the Driver Rehabilitation Program to your individual's needs.

​Training can be conducted with hand controls, left foot acceleration, and steering wheel aids OR in a standard automatic or manual transmission vehicles.

Contact us for more information >>