Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments
Driving is an important part of independence, work, study and community life.
ClearSky provides Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments for people who need support returning to driving, understanding their fitness to drive, or exploring vehicle modifications. Assessments are available across Toowoomba and surrounding areas through our certified driving assessor.
Whether you’ve experienced an injury, are living with a medical condition, or are working towards driving goals through the NDIS, our team can help you understand the next steps.
Our driving assessment services
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Fitness to drive assessment
A comprehensive assessment designed to determine whether a person can drive safely and independently. These assessments are commonly requested following illness, injury, disability or age-related changes that may affect driving.
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Vehicle modification assessment
An assessment to determine whether vehicle modifications or assistive technology may improve safety, access or driving independence. Recommendations may include driving aids, vehicle access solutions or larger vehicle modifications where required.
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Potential to drive assessment
Designed for people who are considering learning to drive and want to better understand their readiness to pursue driving goals. These assessments can help identify strengths, support needs and potential pathways towards independent driving.
Who may benefit from a driving assessment?
A driving assessment may be suitable for people who:
- Are returning to driving after a stroke or brain injury
- Have a condition that may affect driving, such as Parkinson’s or Dementia
- Have experienced physical changes following injury or surgery
- Older Australians with age-related cognitive decline that may affect driving
- Need advice about vehicle modifications
- Want to understand their current fitness to drive
- Are working towards driving goals through the NDIS
- Have been referred by a GP, specialist or insurer
If you’re unsure whether a driving assessment is the right fit, our team can help discuss your options.
What does an occupational therapy driving assessment involve?
Driving relies on a combination of physical, cognitive, visual and practical skills. Your assessment may include:
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Clinical assessment
A review of the physical, cognitive, visual and perceptual skills required for safe driving. -
On-road assessment
Where appropriate, an on-road assessment completed with a qualified driving instructor in a dual-controlled vehicle. -
Written report
A report outlining the assessment findings and any recommendations relating to driving, vehicle modifications or further rehabilitation.
Funding and referrals
Driving assessments may be available through a range of funding arrangements depending on the purpose of the assessment and individual circumstances.
This may include:
- NDIS
- DVA
- WorkCover
- Private payment
Referrals can be made by GPs, specialists, support coordinators, insurers, family members or individuals seeking an assessment.
Meet Gerard
Senior Occupational Therapist and Certified Driving Assessor
Based in Toowoomba, Gerard is a senior occupational therapist with experience supporting people across a range of clinical settings. As a certified driving assessor, he works with individuals, families and referrers to provide practical guidance around driving capacity, safety and independence.
Gerard
Senior Occupational Therapist
Frequently asked questions
Some assessments require a current driver’s licence. Additional medical documentation may also be required depending on the referral reason. If you have any further questions about what is required, contact the ClearSky team.
Yes. Following the assessment, a written report is prepared outlining the findings and any recommendations.
In some circumstances, driving assessments and related supports may be funded through the NDIS where they meet relevant funding criteria.
ClearSky currently provides Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments across Toowoomba and surrounding areas.