DRIVER REHABILITATION & TRAINING

Occupational therapists can work in the field of driver rehabilitation and training. Driving is a really important occupation for many people. It gives freedom and independance, and for some people driving enables them to make a living. At certain times in a persons life, they may need to be re-assessed if their driving skills are at a suitable standard to retain their drivers licence. These YouTube clips are American, but explain what driver rehabilitation programs involve. In New Zealand when a doctor has concerns over whether you're medically fit to drive the classes or endorsements you're applying for, they commonly seek a second opinion. They may refer you to an occupational therapist for a driving assessment (New Zealand Transport Agency, 2012). This assessment involves an approximately two-hour off-road assessment (assessment in the therapist's office), which may be followed by a 50-60-minute on-road assessment (practical driving assessment). The off-road assessment will take up to two hours. The occupational therapist will carry out a thorough check of: Client's vision (basic screening) Client's physical functions (such as range of movement, strength, sensation and coordination) Client's judgement and memory Client's directional orientation, movement and decision making times Client's knowledge of road rules and signs. The therapist may use a computer-based tool for part of this assessment (New Zealand Transport Agency, 2012). The on-road assessment further assesses the impact that any disability or illness, or aging, might be having on your ability to drive safely. During the on-road assessment, the occupational therapist is also in the vehicle as well and sometimes a specially trained driving instructor. The client experiences a range of driving situations - for example: Driving on both the open road and urban roads Driving through controlled and uncontrolled intersections Parking Manoeuvring The on-road assessment may involve approximately 40-60 minutes of driving (New Zealand Transport Agency, 2012). After the driving assessment the occupational therapist will write a report outlining their observations and providing a professional recommendation. This report will be sent back to the GP who asked for the driving assessment(New Zealand Transport Agency, 2012). In New Zealand if you are an occupational therapist that wants to enter the field of driver assessment there is currently no training options to become qualified, but Australia has options. These include places such as University of Sydney and La Trobe University in South Australia. The following link provides information for training from the University of Sydney: And one for La Trobe University, Victoria, South Australia: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/occupational-therapy/short-courses References: New Zealand Transport Agency (2012). Requirements for drivers. Retrieved from http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/medical/drivers.html