What is a driving assessment?
Driving assessment is not a driving test. The aim of this assessment is to evaluate the physical and cognitive ability of the individual to drive a motor vehicle in safety and comfort.
For clients who experience a physical disability our Centre’s have a wide range of adapted vehicles to suit the individual’s specific requirements.
In order to have a full driving assessment you must be in possession of a current driving licence and be able to read a standard vehicle number plate at a distance of 20 metres. You must not have had an epileptic seizure or blackout within the preceding 12 month period.
What will happen during the assessment?
An initial interview discussing your medical condition, personal circumstances and licence details
- A physical assessment to determine what controls are most suitable for you to use. This will also determine any pain or discomfort you are experiencing driving in the conventional way and whether you have any co ordination problems
- A vision test by asking you to read a number plate at the legal required distance and testing on Keystone Vision Equipment
- If your medical diagnosis suggests a cognitive assessment is required this will be undertaken by an Occupational Therapist and is a series of pen and paper exercises that evaluate:
- Memory
- Attention / Concentration
- Executive thinking skills
- Visual perception
- Speech and language
- In-car assessment takes place in a quiet area where the adviser will ensure that you are able to operate the controls comfortably and you will be given time to familiarise yourself with the assessment vehicle.
- Once the adviser is confident that you are ready to proceed to public road you will be asked to drive on a pre-planned assessment route which includes minor and major roads, roundabouts, junctions, dual carriageways, traffic calming measures etc. During an assessment drive, the client’s concentration, perceptual and decision making abilities are all explored, all of which are necessary skills to ensure safe driving.
- At the end of the assessment the adviser will discuss the outcome and advice will be given accordingly. Leaflets and publications relevant to the outcome will be given to you i.e. information on driving instructors, conversion companies, insurance and DVLA contact numbers. A written report will be sent within 10 working days. (If you were referred by the DVLA a discussion on the outcome will take place but you will not receive a copy of the report).
Driver Training
We offer driver training/retraining at the centre with our specially trained Driving instructors. This can include learning to drive with adaptations or familiarisation lessons when changing your method of driving, or simply having refresher lessons.
