If your doctor has referred you for an Occupational Therapy (OT) driving assessment on the Gold Coast, you're probably wondering what happens next. Where do you go? How much does it cost? What actually happens during the assessment?

This is a quick guide to what to expect, written from the perspective of a practising OT driver assessor working across the Gold Coast region.

What is an OT driving assessment?

An OT driving assessment is a formal evaluation of whether a medical condition is affecting your ability to drive safely. It's the assessment used by Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to help determine the driving status of people with medical conditions.

It's conducted by a driver-trained occupational therapist, which is an OT who has completed specific postgraduate training in assessing fitness to drive.

The assessment has two parts: an off-road clinical assessment, and an on-road practical drive with an OT and specialist driving instructor. Together, they take around 2 to 3 hours.

Who needs an OT driving assessment on the Gold Coast?

You'll typically be referred for an OT driving assessment if you have a medical condition that could affect your driving. Common referral reasons include:

• Stroke

• Dementia or cognitive decline

• Parkinson's disease

• Brain injury

• Multiple sclerosis

• Epilepsy or seizure disorders

• Vision changes

• Age-related changes to function

• Intellectual disability (for learner drivers)

• Autism spectrum disorder (for learner drivers)

• ADHD (for learner drivers)

You might also be referred after a new diagnosis, after a significant change in your symptoms, or as part of a medical review triggered by Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

Where does the assessment happen on the Gold Coast?

Steer Driving is a mobile service, which means the OT comes to your home. You don't need to travel to a clinic or navigate unfamiliar roads to get to your appointment.

The off-road clinical assessment is completed at your home. The on-road drive happens on your local roads, so you're driving in an area you already know. This means less stress and a more accurate picture of your everyday driving.

We cover the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.

What happens during the assessment?

Part 1: The clinical (off-road) assessment

The OT will come to your home and spend around 60 to 90 minutes going through:

Your medical and driving history. A conversation about your condition, medications, driving experience, and any concerns.

Vision screening. Visual acuity, peripheral vision, and other visual skills relevant to driving.

Cognitive assessment. Tools such as the DriveSafe DriveAware (DSDA) assess the thinking skills most relevant to driving: attention, processing speed, decision-making, and spatial awareness.

Physical assessment. Strength, range of motion, coordination, and reaction time, particularly as they relate to operating a vehicle.

Family members are welcome to be present during this part of the assessment and often contribute useful information.

Part 2: The on-road assessment

You'll then complete a one-hour practical drive in a dual-controlled vehicle with the OT and a specialist driving instructor. The drive happens in your local area, so you're on roads you already know.

The OT observes how your medical condition affects your actual driving. This includes things like hazard perception, lane positioning, speed management, decision-making, and response to unexpected situations.

The focus isn't on perfect driving. Everyone makes minor errors in a test setting. What matters is whether your medical condition is causing consistent, safety-relevant issues.

What happens after the assessment?

Immediately after the drive, the OT discusses your results with you and explains what happens next. The possible outcomes are:

• Fit to drive with no restrictions

• Fit to drive with conditions (for example, automatic only, daytime only, local area only)

• Driving lessons recommended before a reassessment

• Vehicle modifications recommended (for example, a steering knob or left-foot accelerator)

• Not fit to drive, with a recommendation for licence cancellation

The OT then prepares a formal written report, which is sent to Queensland Transport and Main Roads, your referring doctor, and you. TMR makes the final decision about your licence based on this report.

How does the referral process work in Queensland?

The process in Queensland works slightly differently to some other states. Here's the typical pathway:

Step 1: Your doctor identifies that a medical condition may be affecting your driving.

Step 2: Your doctor completes the Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (Form F3712) and submits it to Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

Step 3: If your doctor is unsure whether the condition is affecting your driving, they indicate on the form that an OT driving assessment is needed. Your doctor may ask you not to drive until the assessment is completed.

Step 4: You (or your doctor) contact an OT driving assessment service to book the assessment.

Step 5: The OT completes the assessment and provides a report to TMR, your doctor, and you.

Step 6: TMR makes the final decision about your licence.

If you're unsure whether you need the Form F3712 completed before booking, get in touch and we can guide you through what's required.

How much does an OT driving assessment cost on the Gold Coast?

Costs vary between providers, and funding may be available depending on your situation. Common funding pathways include:

Medicare (Chronic Disease Management / EPC plans). If your GP includes the assessment in a CDM plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

NDIS. If you're an NDIS participant and driving supports your independence and community access goals, your assessment may be funded through your plan. Steer Driving works with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

WorkCover Queensland. If your referral relates to a workplace injury, WorkCover may cover the cost.

CTP (Compulsory Third Party). If your condition relates to a motor vehicle accident, your CTP insurer may fund the assessment.

DVA. If you're a Department of Veterans' Affairs cardholder, your assessment may be covered.

Private payment. If none of the above apply, you can self-fund the assessment.

For current Steer Driving pricing, visit steerdriving.com.au/pricing.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

This depends on demand and the complexity of your situation. If your referral is time-sensitive (for example, you've had a recent stroke and your non-driving period has passed), let me know when you submit your referral and I'll prioritise it.

How to book an OT driving assessment on the Gold Coast

If your doctor has given you a referral, you can start the process at steerdriving.com.au/referral. You'll fill in some basic information about your medical history and situation, and I'll be in touch to book your assessment.

If you haven't yet been referred but think you may need an assessment, talk to your GP. They can complete the Queensland Transport Medical Certificate (Form F3712) and provide a referral.

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.

FAQ Section

How much does an OT driving assessment cost on the Gold Coast? Costs vary between providers. Funding may be available through Medicare (CDM plans), NDIS, WorkCover Queensland, CTP, or DVA depending on your circumstances. Private payment is also an option. Current Steer Driving pricing is available at steerdriving.com.au/pricing.

How long does an OT driving assessment take? Around 2 to 3 hours in total: approximately 60 to 90 minutes for the off-road clinical assessment, followed by a one-hour on-road drive.

Where is the OT driving assessment conducted on the Gold Coast? At Steer Driving, the assessment is mobile, which means the OT comes to your home. The on-road drive is completed in your local area in a dual-controlled vehicle.

Do I need a referral for an OT driving assessment in Queensland? Yes. You'll need a referral from your GP or specialist, along with a completed Queensland Transport Medical Certificate (Form F3712) submitted to Transport and Main Roads.

What form does my doctor need to complete in Queensland? Your doctor completes the Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (Form F3712). This is the Queensland equivalent of a fitness-to-drive medical assessment. They submit it to Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

How soon can I get an OT driving assessment appointment on the Gold Coast? Waiting times vary depending on demand. Time-sensitive referrals are prioritised where possible. Contact Steer Driving through the referral form for current availability.