Behind The Wheel Assessment

Each assessment is performed by one of our Occupational Therapists. The assessment is structured to each unique aspect of the individuals diagnosis and goals.

A Clinical Evaluation and Interview is performed in our office and may include:

• Medical history, driving history and current driving goals.
• Cognition Assessment will include any of the following areas: basic knowledge of roadway signs, memory, problem solving, judgment, decision making, distractibility, and frustration tolerance.
• Visual Acuity Screening and Visual Perception Assessment will include visual fields, depth perception, color identification, visual spatial skills, scanning and tracking.
• Physical Assessment includes range of motion, strength, coordination, sensation, sitting and/or standing balance, endurance, transfer status.

A Behind the Wheel Evaluation is conducted in a specially equipped vehicle using a pre-defined evaluation route to determine driving skills which include:

• Steering, braking and accelerating with recommendations for specialized equipment if needed.
• Recall and use of safe driving techniques.
• Knowledge and compliance with the law.
• Cognitive skills necessary for safe driving.
• Visual scanning and awareness of driving environment.

If Recommended, drivers training is adapted to each individual's needs, skills and goals for driving. Training sessions take place in the specially equipped vehicle and are matched to the client's skills from neighborhood to highway.

New driver's who are not successful in a standard driver's training course will benefit from the individualized curriculum we are able to provide.

Independence is your ultimate goal. We understand the importance of achieving this milestone. We also understand the importance of safety on the road, your confidence in your skills and in the use of a new driving system.

Click here to find learn about Requirements for the Behind the Wheel Assessment.