Drivers with a disability

Driving is a freedom often taken for granted. Unfortunately, injury or illness can sometimes affect your ability to drive. When it does, we at Williams Occupational Therapy are committed to doing all we can to help you gain, maintain, or regain your independence.

We want to allow you to have control and the ability to get to the shops by yourself, pick up the kids in safety, get to work and earn an income, and visit family and friends.

A doctor or other key stakeholder may recommend that you need to undertake a driver assessment, or maybe you are being proactive and want to increase your driving function or make sure you are safe on the road. We want to reassure you that we are here to assist and make it as pain-free as possible.

An occupational therapy driver assessment is just like going to any medical practitioner or health provider. We start with an assessment to determine what is going on. At Williams OT, our emphasis is on rehabilitation and finding solutions to help drivers drive. We suggest that you take the time to listen to this Podcast episode where Brad, CEO was questioned about the OT assessment process and how OTs can assist people to reach their goals to drive or increase their community mobility. Otherwise, we break it down for you in a step-by-step process below so you can have confidence that we will do everything we can.

Driver-Able Podcast episode 41: What is involved in being a Driver trained OT…

Williams OT recommends that you discuss your condition with your doctor. It is a requirement by the state licensing authority that a driver declares a medical condition that has the potential to impact driving performance or be subject to a significant fine. If you and your doctor are unclear if your condition or disability impacts driving, then a referral to Williams Occupational Therapy for a pre-drive initial assessment, prior to gaining your learner’s license or moving further forward with regaining your license is recommended.

In an initial assessment with our Occupational Therapist (OT), we will look at the concerns for driving and will determine if it is appropriate to continue with applying for your license. If it is appropriate, the Occupational therapist will assist you will how to navigate the state licensing system.

What are the steps to take to possibly regain your driving license?

Step 1

Make a booking

When you first ring Williams OT, you will talk with our staff who will get you on the right path.

The first step is to book an initial consult with an occupational therapist (OT). Our OTs have completed post-graduate education to become driver trained

If you decide that we are the right fit for you and you believe that we have a solution to meet your driving needs, phone 0466 592 891 or complete the form below to initiate an initial booking.

Download your referral form here

Step 2

The evaluation process

The best solution for you may not be something that worked for someone else. We take the time to learn about you and your needs, your visual, cognitive, and physical abilities, as well as learn a little more about your unique underlying issue. If you have completed an assessment before, we will take that into consideration.
Depending on your set of circumstances, we may need to liaise with your medical professional to move on to a second evaluation stage – an on-road driving practical.

A Williams Occupational Therapy our evaluation always ends with a chat with you to discuss the final recommendations regarding your driving ability, safety, and any required vehicle modifications, but it also allows time to answer any of your questions. Typically, an entire evaluation can take approximately 2.5 hours. We can spread this over multiple days if necessary.

Step 3

Reporting

On most occasions, following your assessment, we will forward a written report to your key stakeholders. If alterations are required to your license, you will need to make a follow-up consultation with your doctor to confirm any recommendations resulting from the assessment. We recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor following your assessment to discuss the outcome.

If you have been referred to us by an organisation such as ReturntoWorkSA, a Solicitor, an Insurance Company, or your employer, or for NDIS funding, you will receive a detailed report, which will specifically address the referrer’s requirements. Recommendations on these occasions will need to be approved by your referrer, on top of any license alterations confirmed through your medical practitioners as mentioned above.

But don’t worry, Williams Occupational Therapy will support you through the entire process. Depending on your specific situation, this may include liaising with the state licensing body, or further consultation with your medical team and/or specialists to clarify recommendations. In every instance, our focus is to find the best solutions for your safety and independence.

No matter how you have been referred to Williams OT, or if you are starting out and you are debating the need for an occupational therapy assessment, our team pride themselves on supporting clients through the entire and tricky process of driving with a medical issue. We will help liaise with the state licensing body, organise temporary licenses, liaise with your medical team and specialists, and find the best solutions for your safety and independence.

Step 4

Driver rehabilitation, tuition, and equipment.

The best solution for you is not always something that worked for someone else. At Williams Occupational Therapy, we believe we have the most comprehensive service available for drivers or passengers with a disability. Our follow-up and intervention after the assessment is our unique point of difference. We want to give you continuity of care. We offer you the following

driving rehabilitation with one of our occupational therapists to help you learn to drive with your disability or condition
driving lessons and tuition to help you gain your license
the largest range of vehicle equipment and modifications for you to trail for you and your car to help you drive with safety and comfort for the long-term

We encourage you to explore the other parts of our website for more information on each of these areas. You can be reassured that we will do everything we can to help you to have your independence and reduce your reliance on others.

More Information

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