Phone: 0274-688-622
Driver Assessment
Driving requires a combination of physical, cognitive and visual abilities. When a person experiences a medical condition, injury, disability or age-related changes these abilities may be affected.
Our driver assessments help determine how these changes may impact driving safety and whether a person may benefit from driver rehabilitation or training, vehicle modifications or a transition away from driving.
Assessments can assist drivers, families, and medical professionals in making informed decisions about safe driving.
An occupational therapy Driver Assessment is a specialised evaluation conducted by a trained occupational therapist to determine whether a person can drive safely and independently.
The assessment examines how a person’s health condition may affect the skills required for driving. These include:
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physical function such as movement, strength and coordination,
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cognitive functions including concentration, decision- making, attention, perception and vision.
This self-funded assessment may be timely when your family, friends or your doctor are wondering if your medical condition, injury, disability or age-related changes affects your ability to drive. This assessment gives you peace of mind that you are safe on the road, and everyone else on the road is safe too.
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 or multiple sclerosis. 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.
It is recommended that you bring a fully licensed support person with you.
This service is clinic-based at EnableWorks, 3 Leslie Hills Drive, Riccarton, Christchurch. We can come to your home. Home visits are charged at a higher rate than a clinic appointment. Contact us and we will confirm the cost for your address before booking. We are mobile and cover the whole South Island.
Contact 0274 688 622 for further information.
What are the outcomes of the assessment?
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Report and recommendations
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Driver Training
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Reassessment
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Transition away from driving
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Vehicle modifications
Driver training and/ or reassessment may be recommended. The therapist may liaise with the driving instructor and create a plan for your driver training. Sometimes driver training is not appropriate, and the reasons for this can be discussed at your assessment too, so you understand why.
Driver licence recommendations to NZTA Medical Unit 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, (or home-based if you prefer) with the following steps.
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A pre-drive off road assessment - physical (movement, strength, coordination), cognitive (concentration, decision-making) and visual screening.
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An on road assessment - with the therapist and driving instructor. You will drive up to 45-60 minutes, to demonstrate your ability to drive.
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Debrief - the therapist will discuss recommendations with the client and support person and recommend a plan.
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Report - the therapist will write a report for you outlining the assessment results.
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Driver training - when appropriate the therapist can arrange a series of driver lessons; these are self-funded.
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Reassessment - if appropriate.
About Your Assessor
Your occupational therapist and assessors are Shelley Beckert and Jarrod Withers.
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ACC Vendor G0C258
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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 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.
Your doctor may place an electronic referral via the ERMS portal.