At Freedom and Mobility, a certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS) who is also an occupational therapist and licensed driving instructor completes all driving evaluations.  Both new and experience drivers are eligible for assessment.  A comprehensive evaluation consists of two main components, the clinical assessment and the on-road assessment.  The exact tests done will vary from client to client depending on the diagnosis and deficits observed.

Passenger evaluation

This is geared to clients who are unable to transfer out of a wheelchair and who have no immediate possibility of independent driving.   This evaluation determines the most appropriate vehicle and equipment for transportation purposes.  This can also include recommendations for equipment used to load and transport a wheelchair or scooter.

A Clinical Assessment looks at the clients physical and cognitive abilities as they relate to their ability to drive.  Physical abilities include the ability to get in and out of the vehicle, operate the primary (gas, brake and steering) and secondary driving controls (turn signals, horn, lights, wipers, gearshift etc.) and gather information from the environment.  Cognitive abilities include the ability to communicate both receptive and expressive, knowledge of the driving task, judgment, visual perceptual skills, decision-making skills, attention, problem solving skills and memory. 

The CLINICAL ASSESSMENT includes

• History
• Vision
• Strength
• Brake reaction time
• Coordination
• Balance
• Ambulation
• Wheelchair and mobility device use
• Cognitive screening

On road assessment

On-road assessment will vary by the type of vehicle and equipment required.  Every on-road assessment includes evaluation of the following skills and abilities

• Vehicle handling skills- the ability to operate the primary controls (gas, brake and steering) and the secondary controls (turn signals, ignition, gearshift, lights, wipers, etc.)
• Applied road knowledge
• Applied cognitive, language and perceptual skills
• Navigation skills
• Transfer skills (if mobility impaired)
• Wheelchair/mobility device loading
• Initial training with adaptive equipment (if needed)