Phone: 0274-688-622
Medical Fitness to Drive Assessment
This is an ‘off-road assessment’ (screening your physical, cognitive and visual ability relevant for driving) and an ‘on-road assessment’ in all traffic complexities with the therapist assessor and a driving instructor, to establish your medical fitness to drive status.
This self-funded assessment may be timely when your family, friends or your doctor have concerns that your medical condition may be affecting your ability to drive. A doctor’s referral is required.
You may have had a specific medical event like a stroke or been diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, or maybe have a progressive neurological condition like Parkinson’s Disease. You and your passengers may find driving more stressful than before. If you don't have a current NZ driver licence, a temporary licence may be arranged by the therapist.
This assessment gives you peace of mind that you are safe on the road, and everyone else on the road is safe too.
It is recommended that you bring a fully licensed support person with you.
This service is based at the Good Friends Building, 47 Whiteleigh Ave, Addington, Christchurch.
What are the outcomes of the assessment?
Driver Rehab can be arranged. Based on the results of your assessment the therapist assessor who is aware of your medical issues impacting on your driving, will liaise with the driving instructor and create a plan for your Driver Rehab. Sometimes Driver Rehab is not appropriate, and the reasons for this can be discussed at your assessment too, so you understand why.
Driver licence recommendations to Waka Kotahi NZTA are an outcome from this assessment. Alternatives to driving may be discussed depending on the assessment outcome.
This assessment gives you peace of mind that you are safe on the road, and everyone else on the road is safe too.
What can I expect from the assessment?
This is a self-funded clinic-based assessment, with the following steps.
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An ‘off-road assessment’ - physical, cognitive and visual screening may occur to note any issues that may impact on driving ability, or ability to travel as a passenger.
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An ‘on-road assessment’ – with the therapist and a registered driving instructor. You will drive for 45-60 minutes, to demonstrate your ability to drive.
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Debrief – the therapist will discuss with the client her recommendations and together with the client will outline a plan.
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Report – the therapist will write a report for you outlining the assessment results.
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Driver rehab – when appropriate the therapist can arrange a series of driver rehab or driver lessons; these are self-funded.
About Your Assessor
Your occupational therapist and assessor is Shelley Beckert. Shelley is based in Christchurch and provides these assessments in the Canterbury and South Canterbury region.
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EMS Enable credentialed assessor Vehicle Modifications Levels 1 & 2
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Driver Trained Occupational Therapist, University of Sydney
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NZ Registered Occupational Therapist (NZROT) and Member of Occupational Therapy New Zealand (OTNZ)
Get in Touch
If you live in Christchurch or Canterbury and you think that you, or a loved one, needs a medical fitness to drive assessment please fill in your details here, and you will be contacted, or call 0274 688 622.
If you are ready to complete a full medical referral click the button below.