Overview

Comprehensive driving services are managed and provided through the Occupational Therapy (OT) Department. This state-certified program is staffed by six Certified Driving Instructors.  Two Occupational Therapists possess additional certifications as Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. A variety of adaptive driving equipment is available for assessment and training.  Program services include the following:

• Occupational Therapy Driving Evaluation
  
  Occupational Therapists assess vision, perception, cognition and motor skills to assist in determining a client’s feasibility for driving. This assessment consists of an “in clinic” evaluation as well as a behind-the-wheel assessment. Having a learner’s permit or driver’s license is not a prerequisite for this service.  Following an evaluation, a report is generated with detailed, individualized recommendations which may include:
  • Participation in a Learner’s Permit Class
  • Participation in Behind-the-Wheel Driver’s Training
  • Identification of adapted driving equipment and/or appropriate vehicles
  • Completion of medical clearance with the Department of Motor Vehicles
    
    
• Learner’s Permit Class
  
  Following an Occupational Therapy Driving Evaluation, clients may be referred for a Learner’s Permit Class.  The Learner’s Permit Class is offered as a part of the Life Skills Transition Program (LSTP) or as a “stand alone” service.  For students in a “stand alone” class, instruction is provided for a minimum of three hours per day for approximately three to four weeks. Clients who obtain the necessary knowledge upon completion of this class will be taken to the local Department of Motor Vehicles and given the Learner’s Permit Test orally.
  
  
• Driver’s Training
  
  Driver’s training may be provided for clients who have a valid learner’s permit.  This training is provided by an Occupational Therapist for clients with a medical diagnosis or those who need adaptive equipment for driving. This service may be provided as part of a comprehensive medical rehabilitation program or as a “stand alone” service. For clients who do not have a medical diagnosis, training is provided by Certified Driving Instructors (Educators) as a “stand alone” service. Candidates for this service must be at least 19 years old and cannot have previously received a driver’s license.
  
  
• Other Driving Services
  • Evaluation and training in use of adapted driving controls
  • Evaluation and training in management of mobility devices for vehicles (i.e. loading/unloading wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, etc)
  • Evaluation of van needs for drivers or passengers who use wheelchairs or scooters

Contact Information