Occupational therapy driving assessment: what to ask before booking

An Occupational Therapist's Guide to Driver Assessments

By BlueWing · Originally published 16 September 2022

A driver holding the steering wheel inside a vehicle

How participants can clarify the assessment and licensing pathway

Ask whether the assessor has driver-assessment training and which local licensing process applies. Confirm required medical information, the vehicle and adaptations used, costs and what the report will address. Explain the journeys you want to make and any changes in your condition.

Discuss findings and next steps with the relevant health professional and licensing authority. A practical assessment has limits and does not replace all clinical considerations. Do not treat a booked appointment as permission to drive against existing restrictions.

Original article and dated context

BlueWing is dedicated to providing disability support services to NDIS participants. With personal experience of the system, we are very familiar with the ins and outs of the program and can provide the answers to all your questions – and we know you have a lot!

What do occupational therapists do?

If you've ever wondered what an occupational therapist does, wonder no more! Occupational therapists help people with disabilities regain independence and improve their quality of life.
One of the essential things that occupational therapists do is help people with disabilities regain their independence. They do this by assisting them in learning how to perform everyday tasks, such as dressing and grooming, cooking and cleaning, and using the bathroom.
Another vital thing that occupational therapists do is help people with disabilities improve their quality of life. They do this by assisting them in overcoming their physical, mental, and emotional challenges. For example, an occupational therapist may help a person with a disability learn how to drive a car or use a computer.

Ways that an occupational therapist can help people.

  • Driver assessment
  • Functional capacity evaluations
  • Home safety assessments
  • Job site analysis
  • Therapy sessions to teach new techniques
  • Modifying the environment and reducing barriers.
  • Recommending assistive technology

Why do you need a driving assessment from an occupational therapist?

Surveys have shown that adults consider driving one of the most important valued Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Adults' roles include being the carer or provider, and independent community access is vitally important to fulfilling these roles. If your doctor has any doubts about your ability to drive because of your medical condition or disability, they will refer you to an occupational therapist for an in-depth assessment

What is the process of an occupational therapy driving assessment?

An occupational therapy driving assessment is conducted over two to three sessions.

[Clickability update, October 2026: This is the provider’s described process, not a national minimum or maximum. Austroads explains that assessment pathways vary by jurisdiction and individual needs. Check the functional driver-assessment guidance.]

The first session usually lasts two hours and involves the therapist collecting information about the driver's medical history, current medications, physical abilities, and cognitive abilities and also includes a vision screening.
The second session lasts one hour and is conducted with an occupational therapist in a vehicle with a dual brake system and a driving instructor trained in rehabilitation. This session is used to assess the driver's skills and abilities.
The third session is used to debrief the driver and provide recommendations.
After an OT receives a referral and medical clearance from a doctor for someone requiring a driving assessment, the process will be broken into two components, an off-road and on-road assessment.

The offroad assessment will include:

  • Physical screen: including range of motion, strength, coordination, sensation, tone and pain.
  • Vision screening: this includes visual acuity, visual fields, and eye coordination.
  • Cognitive screen: including attention, visual processing, information processing, memory and executive functioning.
From this assessment, modifications may be prescribed.

The on-road assessment includes:

  • How the person functions practically in the vehicle
  • How the off-road assessment outcomes translate to a practical on-road test
  • The on-road assessment is usually 60 minutes which includes
    • 5 minutes of getting used to the car
    • After 20 minutes, pulling over and the therapist and the driving instructor giving some feedback
    • Continuation of the drive
    • Information is given at the end, including a remediation plan; a series of driving lessons compiled by the occupational therapist to guide the driving instructor on what to focus on to ensure the best outcome for the client before the reassessment.
    • Once the prescribed number of lessons are completed, a re-assessment is conducted on-road with the driving instructor and occupational therapist.

How do you prepare for an Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor Assessment?

To prepare for an occupational therapy driver assessor assessment, you will need the following:
  • A doctor's medical clearance.
  • A current driver's license
  • Prescription glasses for driving (if applicable), and
  • Prescription medication needs to be taken as the doctor has prescribed, including the timing of administration.

Get help from a Blue Wing Driver Assessor Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapy driving assessors help people with difficulty driving due to a disability or injury. They assess a person's ability to drive and make recommendations about how to improve their skills.
The founder of the company (Zoe) has lived experience of disability through her daughter Courtney who lives with Cerebral Palsy. Zoe has worked in the disability industry and worked for the NDIS, so she knows the process and wants to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to live their life to the fullest no matter what the disability.
Blue Wing is not only a company but more of a family; our clients are a very important part of our family. If you or someone you know needs help with driving, contact Blue Wing for more information on occupational therapy driver assessors.

Clickability editorial update: October 2026

Plan transport while the decision is unresolved

Ask the person what help they want gathering information or attending appointments. Arrange another way to reach important activities while assessment or licensing questions remain open. Avoid pressuring the person to perform a risky drive to demonstrate independence.

Questions readers ask

Are the printed session lengths mandatory everywhere?

No. They describe this historical provider process; assessment pathways vary. Official guidance

Does passing an OT assessment automatically grant a licence?

No. Licensing decisions and applicable medical requirements are separate. Official guidance

Find an occupational therapist with driver-assessment experience

Tell Clickability the assessment you are seeking. Compare provider profiles and reviews, then confirm specialist experience and your local requirements directly.

Find occupational therapy assessment support · Browse occupational therapy providers

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