Turning to check your blind spot hurts more than it used to. Your hands ache after a longer drive. You have started avoiding the car park with the tight reverse bay.

None of this means you have to stop driving. It does mean it is worth working out what has changed. This article explains what matters for driving, what may help, and when an OT driving assessment is worth considering.

What does the body need to do to drive?

The national guidance, Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive, lists the physical tasks of driving. You need to:

• Steer, and use the gear selector and secondary controls such as indicators and wipers.

• Operate the foot controls.

• Turn your head far enough to scan the road on both sides.

• Sit in a stable posture for the length of the drive.

Arthritis, back pain, amputation and similar conditions can affect any of these. Pain is also a driving issue in its own right. Austroads notes it affects attention and concentration, and emotional responses.

Is it safe for me to keep driving?

For many people it is. Austroads says there is only a slightly increased crash risk linked to these conditions, likely because drivers adjust how they drive. Many people cut down night driving, avoid busy roads or take more rests.

That only holds if you notice your limits and act on them. Austroads names three things that matter: awareness of your limits, a stable condition, and either body techniques or vehicle changes that make up for the difficulty. A condition that changes day to day can make the second one harder.

What may help?

Some of the best solutions are already in the car.

• An automatic transmission takes away the clutch and gear changes.

• Power steering reduces the effort needed to turn the wheel.

• A reversing camera helps if turning your neck is hard.

• Adjustable seats let you set a position that suits your back and hips.

Where those are not enough, an OT can look at further vehicle changes, such as hand controls or steering aids. Our guide to vehicle modifications for drivers in Queensland explains how the process works.

When is an OT driving assessment worth it?

Consider one when:

• you are not sure whether your movement is enough for driving

• you have started to avoid driving situations because of pain or stiffness

• someone has raised a concern about how you drive

• you think you may need vehicle modifications

• your doctor wants more information before completing your medical certificate

An assessment looks at your strength, movement, reaction time and endurance off the road. Then you drive on real roads in a driving instructor’s car fitted with dual controls. The OT watches how you manage the tasks that matter, such as checking blind spots, steering, braking and parking. Our post on what to expect on the day covers the session from start to finish.

When you do not need one

If your condition is stable and you are driving comfortably, with no close calls and no worries from family or your doctor, you may not need an assessment. Some people only need a small change, such as a seat adjustment or a reversing camera.

If your doctor is happy with your function and no licence conditions are likely, the medical certificate may be all that is needed.

Do I have to tell Transport and Main Roads?

In Queensland you must tell TMR about a permanent or long-term medical condition that is likely to affect your ability to drive safely. Whether arthritis or a similar condition meets that test depends on how it affects you. Your doctor can help you work it out. Our guide to reporting a medical condition to Queensland Transport explains the process.

Could my licence change?

It may. TMR can add conditions, such as automatic transmission only, or a requirement for specific vehicle aids. Some people keep driving with no change at all. Stopping driving is a possible outcome, and TMR decides. Our post on licence conditions after an OT driving assessment in Queensland explains the codes.

Turning 75 or older?

If you are over 75, you need a current medical certificate regardless of your joints. The two can be handled at the same appointment. See driving over 75 in Queensland.

Ready to book an OT driving assessment on the Gold Coast? Steer Driving is a mobile assessment service covering the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Whether you already have a referral or you’re just getting started, get in touch and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

This article was written by Elise, an AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapist and driver assessor. Elise is the founder of Steer Driving, a mobile OT driving assessment practice.