Supporting your independence
Are you looking to get back behind the wheel or start driving for the first time? Our Driver-Trained Occupational Therapists are highly experienced in conducting assessments with people who have a physical disability, injury or medical condition.
Our Driver-Trained Occupational Therapists will support you with:
- Off and on-road testing to determine your fitness to drive
- Sourcing and trialling vehicle modifications and driving controls
- Liaising with a driving school to arrange lessons in a modified vehicle, if required
- Preparing comprehensive reports for the NDIS and other funding bodies.
The team can also assist with vehicle modifications for people who will be travelling as a passenger
We offer assessments and Driving Clinics at our Healthy Living Centres in Brisbane and Cairns and Spinal Life Office in Bundaberg and can assist you to apply for funding, including through the NDIS.
Driving clinics
At our Healthy Living Centre in Brisbane, we offer individual sessions on the fourth Wednesday of every month, to make it easier to progress your driving journey as quickly as possible. Assessments can also be arranged on other days, subject to availability.
At our Spinal Life Office in Bundaberg and Healthy Living Centre in Cairns, assessments can be booked on any weekday, subject to availability.
Getting Back Behind the Wheel
Want to see what is involved in a Driving Assessment first-hand? Follow Rob’s journey who, with the help of Spinal Life Driver Trained Occupational Therapist Yvette, undergoes a full driving assessment from start to finish to receive clearance from his Doctor to continue driving.
For quick access to the video showcasing each step of the assessment, click on the relevant image below.
Step 1: Getting Started
Meet Rob, he has been driving for over 40 years and has been requested by his Doctor to undertake a Driving Assessment in order to receive an updated medical certificate.
The first step is to meet with a Spinal Life Driver Trained Occupational Therapist so they can do all the necessary checks to supply his Doctor with their recommendations.
Step 2: Medical Assessment
Spinal Life Driver Trained Occupational Therapist, Yvette, takes Rob through his first assessment, a quick health check.
She asks Rob a series of questions relating to his medical and driving history before identifying if he has had any change in function that might affect his current vehicle modifications and to ensure he can still drive safely on the road.
Step 3: Physical Assessment
The next step is to assess Rob’s physical ability to control the vehicle.
The Occupational Therapist reviews upper limb strength, range of motion and balance through some simple exercises before Rob takes to a specially-designed steering wheel available at the Healthy Living Centre clinic.
Step 4: Cognitive Assessment
Rob is almost on the road! Rob takes his final off road check, a cognitive examination.
The ‘Drive-Safe’ and ‘Drive-Aware’ tests are completed on an iPad and the last box to tick before taking the on-road assessment.
Step 5: On Road Driving Assessment
The on road examination takes place with the driving instructor and Spinal Life Occupational Therapist present.
The assessment starts on quieter roads to get acquainted with the car and its modifications before taking to busier streets.
Step 6: The Finish Line
Find out the outcome of Rob’s journey!
Additional Resources
Ready to Get Started
Start the process of getting behind the wheel by completing this form and contacting our Customer Engagement team. Take a look at our Guides as well for some additional information.
Guide for Learner Drivers
If you are new to driving, let us take you through the process step-by-step as a Learner driver on how you can get behind the wheel. You can always contact us to help you along the way.
Guide for Current Drivers
For those who already have a license and driving, but perhaps have had a change in function, or have been requested to get an updated medical certificate by your GP, this guide is for you.
Information for your GP
Your GP or treating physician may not be familiar with the forms required, so this is a great handout to provide them when you have your initial consultation to start the process
