How much does it cost?
Please contact DARS so we can provide an up to date fee schedule.
Fees and rebates can vary depending on the client’s circumstances and the nature of the referral. Some clients MAY be eligible for a partial rebate through Medicare and the Allied Health, Enhanced Primary Care Scheme.
- You may be eligible for rebates through your own private health insurance.
- You may be able to receive a service through your Workers Compensation or CTP Insurer.
- You may be able to receive a service through the NDIS or Lifetime Care and Support.
- You may be able to source funds through charitable, government or non-government agencies.
What is an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
The assessment involves an off-road assessment in the clinic or in the client’s own home, and a practical on-road assessment.
The off-road assessment is conducted by a driver trained Occupational Therapist. It involves the following:
- Initial Interview – Information regarding medical and driving history;
- Physical Screen – Range of motion, strength, tone, sensation, coordination and pain levels;
- Vision Screen – Visual acuity, peripheral vision and eye movements;
- Cognitive Screen – Concentration, attention, memory, problem solving, planning skills and level of insight.
To maximise safety, the on-road assessment is conducted in the Driving Instructor’s vehicle with dual brake controls (either manual or automatic). There is an option to complete part of the assessment in the client’s own vehicle once the Occupational Therapist is satisfied that it is safe to do so. The client’s vehicle must be roadworthy, registered and insured.
How long does it take?
We usually allow approximately 1 ½ hours for the OFF road assessment, and 1 hour for the ON road assessment
What is an OFF Road Assessment? I don’t go plan to go OFF road.
The off-road assessment does not refer to driving in the bush. This part of the assessment is conducted in a clinic or client’s home and involves the following:
- Initial Interview – Information regarding medical and driving history
- Physical Screen – Range of motion, strength, tone, sensation, coordination and pain
- Vision Screen – Visual acuity, peripheral vision and eye movements
- Cognitive Screen – Concentration, attention, memory, problem solving, planning skills and level of insight
How do I make an appointment?
You can refer yourself, or a family member, or you can be referred by your treating Doctor. In most cases the treating Doctor will be contacted to discuss medical history and to complete the documentation required to conduct a full driving assessment. Referrals can be made by email under the contact us tab, or by phone or fax using details provided on our website.
What areas do we cover?
Based in Port Macquarie – NSW, the Driving Assessment and Rehabilitation Service provides driving assessment services throughout Regional NSW.
- Mid-North Coast (Forster, Taree, Wingham, Laurieton, Port Macquarie)
- North Coast (Kempsey, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Crescent Head, Coffs Harbour)If you do not live in the local Port Macquarie area, Assessments can be conducted in your town, however additional costs will be charged to cover travel costs. Please contact us for further information regarding travel costs to your area.
Who would benefit from an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
DARS can assist people with a range of conditions including:
- Dementia e.g. Alzheimer’s
- Brain Injury e.g. Acquired Brain Injury
- Spinal injury e.g. Paraplegia and Quadriplegia
- Neurological Injury e.g. Stroke
- Physical injury e.g. Amputation, Arthritis, Back or Neck Injury
- Psychological conditions e.g. anxiety, neurosis
- Congenital Conditions e.g. short/tall stature, cerebral palsy
- Others e.g. Autism, Learning Difficulties, normal aging
How long does it take for the OT report to be sent to the RMS or Doctor?
The Occupational Therapy report will be sent to the RMS and the referring Doctor within 1-2 days of the assessment.
If I am successful in passing the OT Driving Assessment – can I return to driving immediately?
No, not usually. An RMS Medical Unit Adjudicator must review the OT report and agree with the recommendations made before a licence can be issued. The turnaround time can be up to 28 days. You will be sent a letter from the RMS to advise the next step in upgrading/renewing your licence.
If I have a condition on my Class C Learner licence, stating “May only drive a vehicle with a licenced driving instructor” – can I drive with any driving licence holder in the car?
No – They may only drive a vehicle with a licenced driving instructor.
What happens after the OFF or ON Road Assessment?
When the assessment has been completed, the results will be discussed with you. Some clients do not progress to the ON road assessment immediately. Some require further rehabilitation or treatment. Some clients are advised that they should not drive. The clients who do progress onto the ON Road assessment are provided with feedback immediately after the assessment. There is a range of possible outcomes of the assessment:
- Client may continue to drive without licence restrictions
- Client may not be able to drive and their licence is cancelled or suspended
- Client may not be able to drive and their licence is temporarily suspended
- Client may drive with licence restrictions e.g. only driving at certain times of day or distance from home
- Client may drive with modifications to their vehicle
- Client may have lessons with a Driving Instructor
- Client may commence a rehabilitation program and undergo driving retesting at later date
- Client may have an RMS Disability Test
On some occasions the recommendation is made to the RMS, that the client should stop driving and this leads to a cancellation of their licence.
Do I get a copy of Report?
You will be sent a summary of the report outlining the recommendations by the Occupational Therapist. A copy of the full report will also be sent to your Doctor or Specialist.
What if I need further information?
You can contact us via the website, email or phone.
