Your doctor said the words “driving assessment”. Your first thought may have been that someone has decided you cannot drive. That is not what it means.

This article explains what an assessment is for, who decides what happens to your licence, and what the day involves.

What is an OT driving assessment for?

It gives your doctor and Transport and Main Roads (TMR) information they cannot get from a consultation room. It looks at how your health affects the job of driving. That includes your thinking skills, vision, strength and movement, and how you drive on a real road.

It is not a driving test. It is not a lesson. The OT does not pass or fail you, and the OT does not decide what happens to your licence. The OT writes an honest report on what was observed.

Who decides?

Your doctor decides whether an assessment is needed, in the first place. TMR says you may need a practical driving assessment with a qualified occupational therapist when your doctor decides your condition could make your driving less safe.

TMR can also write to you. The letter may ask you to get a new medical assessment from your doctor. Show your doctor the letter. They will decide what is needed.

TMR makes the final decision about your licence. In Queensland, the OT report goes to your doctor, and your doctor submits an updated Medical Certificate for Drivers to TMR. Our post on the Medical Certificate for Drivers explains that form.

Why might my doctor suggest one?

Doctors usually suggest an assessment when the answer is unclear. Some common situations:

• A new diagnosis that affects thinking, vision, movement or reaction time.

• A change after a stroke, brain injury or other event.

• Family have noticed changes in your driving, and you are not sure they are right.

• Vehicle modifications may be needed, such as hand controls.

If you are on the other side of this, wondering whether to raise your own driving with your doctor, see how do you know when it is time to get your driving checked.

What happens on the day?

You will be asked about your health, your driving and your daily routine. Then comes the off-road part, which looks at thinking skills, vision and movement. Then you drive on real roads in a driving instructor’s car fitted with dual controls. Our post on what to expect on the day gives the details.

If you are anxious about it, that is normal. Our guide to how to prepare for an OT driving assessment is written for exactly that.

The OT gives you a general idea of how it went. The written report goes to your doctor, not to you directly. Our post on what happens after your OT driving assessment explains the timing and what you are told.

What are the possible results?

Your licence may stay as it is. It may stay with conditions. Or you may be advised to stop driving. We say that plainly because some people are told that, and it helps to have thought about it beforehand. Our guide to getting around the Gold Coast without driving is there if you want to read it now.

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.