I’m concerned about my client’s driving, what can I do to help keep them safe?
Please feel free to call Megan on 0474428888 to discuss your concerns and together we can develop a plan for your client.
Why does my client need an occupational therapy driving assessment?
In Victoria, licence holders are required to tell VicRoads if they have a medical condition that could impact driving safety. An occupational therapy driving assessment is needed to clarify the impact of the medical condition on driving ability and safety. An occupational therapy driving assessment is NOT required due to a driver’s age in Victoria, rather it is related to their health.
I’m a doctor/specialist/allied health professional: my client has a medical condition that might impact on driving safety, what can I do?
A medical condition that might impact driving safety must be reported to VicRoads.
Please phone Megan on 0474428888 to discuss how you can be supported to fulfil this requirement. You will receive updates regarding the progress of your client and, should an occupational therapy driving assessment be required, final reports will be sent to your for your records.
What does an occupational therapy driving assessment involve?
An occupational therapy driving assessment involves two parts – an ‘off-road’ assessment and an ‘on-road’ assessment. It is preferable for these parts to occur over two appointments, but in special circumstances can be arranged together.
The off-road assessment can take place in the home or at one of our offices. It involves a thorough assessment of driving history and future needs, testing of physical and cognitive ability related to driving and careful planning for the on-road assessment.
The on-road assessment involves driving the carefully designed route agreed upon at the off-road assessment. This assessment takes place in a dual control car with a driving instructor in the passenger seat and occupational therapist in the back passenger seat.
What happens after an occupational therapy driving assessment?
Results will be discussed at the end of the on-road driving assessment. Generally there are three results:
- The medical condition does not impact on driving ability = maintain licence (with annual medical and occupational therapy driving assessment for some conditions)
- The medical condition does impact on driving ability but changes can be made to improve safety, skill and ability = maintain licence with conditions (might include rehabilitation, changes to vehicle or changes to where/when driving can occur, annual occupational therapy driving assessments)
- The medical condition does impact on your driving ability but changes cannot be made to improve safety, skill and ability = consider other transport options to maintain independence and safety
These results will also be reported to VicRoads and GP/specialist.
What qualifications does Megan have?
Megan graduated as an occupational therapist from Charles Sturt University in 1999 and completed her post graduate studies in driving assessment and rehabilitation at LaTrobe University in 2001.
Megan is registered with AHPRA and is an active member of OT Australia.
Megan is a registered provider with Medicare, TAC and WorkCover and is able to offer occupational therapy driving assessments to drivers who are NDIS self managed and plan managed.