OT Driving Assessment in Sydney: What to Expect and How to Book

If your doctor has referred you for an Occupational Therapy (OT) driving assessment in Sydney, 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 Sydney.

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 approved by Transport for NSW for drivers with medical conditions that may impact fitness to drive.

It's conducted by a driver-trained occupational therapist, which is an OT who has completed specific postgraduate training and is registered with Transport for NSW as a driver assessor.

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 in Sydney?

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)

You might also be referred after a new diagnosis, after a significant change in your symptoms, or as part of a mandatory request from Transport for NSW.

Where does the assessment happen in Sydney?

This depends on the service you choose. Some providers operate from a clinic and require you to travel to them. Others, including Steer Driving, are mobile, which means the OT comes to your home.

Mobile assessments have some practical advantages, particularly in Sydney. You don't have to navigate traffic or parking to get to the appointment. You complete the on-road drive on your local roads, which you already know. And the whole process is less stressful, which helps you perform at your best.

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 are used to assess areas such as 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're likely already familiar with.

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 Transport for NSW, your referring doctor, and you. Transport for NSW makes the final decision about your licence based on this report.

How much does an OT driving assessment cost in Sydney?

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

Medicare (Chronic Disease Management / Enhances Primary Care 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.

iCare. If your referral relates to a workplace injury or motor vehicle accident, iCare may cover the cost.

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 information on Steer Driving pricing, visit steerdriving.com.au/pricing.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

This depends on the provider and the complexity of your situation. Most Sydney OT driving assessment services have a waiting list, because demand is high and there are relatively few driver-trained OTs in NSW.

At Steer Driving, I aim to book assessments as quickly as possible, generally 2-3 weeks. If your referral is time-sensitive (for example, you've had a recent stroke and your 4-week non-driving period has passed), let me know when you submit your referral and I'll prioritise it.

Do I need to prepare for my assessment?

A few practical things that help:

Have your glasses, hearing aids, and any mobility aids you use with you. Take your usual medications. Eat beforehand and stay hydrated. Have a reasonable night's sleep. Bring your licence and any relevant medical reports or referral letters.

Most importantly, try not to stress about it. The assessment is designed to find out what you can do, not to catch you out. I've assessed hundreds of drivers and my job is to give you a fair, objective evaluation, not to fail you.

How to book an OT driving assessment in Sydney

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, geriatrician, neurologist, or rehabilitation specialist. They can complete the Transport for NSW Fitness to Drive form and provide a referral.

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

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