Derby DrivAbility - Driving assessments
We assess a person’s ability to:
- Learn to drive
For example, for people with conditions such as cerebal palsy, learning disabilities etc
- Return to driving
For example, after an illness or injury such as a stroke, head injury, brain tumour or schizophrenia
- Continue to drive
For example, if there is a diagnosis of dementia or where the driver is simply in their later years
We will always consider if adaptations or driving lessons can help the driver regain a safe level of control and skill. As a centre we are fully accredited by Driving Mobility and supported financially by both the NHS and the Department for Transport. Two of our key stake holders are the DVLA and Motability.
We can only do a driving assessment if we are sure that the driver:
- has a valid driving licence (full or provisional) or section 88 cover to drive.
- can read a number plate from 20 metres
- has no debarring or restricted medical condition ( visit the DVLA website to check if a health condition affects your driving (opens in new window) >)
The interview
An occupational therapist will find out more about your health and driving experience – past and present - your physical abilities, vision, and ask you to do some simple thinking skill (cognitive) tests. We will also assess the potential need for adaptations. We do not ask any theory questions to full licence holders as we expect the driver to show their knowledge and understanding whilst driving. We will ask learner drivers some theory questions to gain an idea of their ability to pass the theory tests.
The drive
Using one of our vehicles, we will assess the person's driving ability. Our cars all have dual controls (only used if essential!) with our ADI assessor in the front seat and an occupational therapist observing from the back. We use quiet suburban roads inntially to allow the driver to get used to the car and build their confidence and we then explore their abilities over a wider variety of roads on a drive drive lasting approximately one hour in total. Breaks can be taken as needed.
Static assessment rig
Sometimes we choose to use our static assessment rig to explore the persons thinking skills or control options.
Outcome
Following our assessment we will feedback our findings. This may be that you can continue driving, you need to have driving lessons, or you should cease driving.