Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments on the Gold Coast
SEQ OT Driving Assessments provides specialist Occupational Therapy services across South East Queensland to support individuals to maintain their independence and safety.
We are Gold Coast based, but travel to support the broader South East Queensland community.
What is a driving assessment?
An Occupational Therapy (OT) driving assessment is a professional assessment of an individual's physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities required for safe driving. Unlike a standard driving test, this is a clinical assessment conducted by a qualified Occupational Therapist to determine how your health conditions or aging might impact your ability to control a vehicle and react to road situations.
Who might need a driving assessment?
Assessments are often required for drivers with medical conditions such as:
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Stroke or brain injury
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Dementia or memory concerns
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Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions
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Multiple sclerosis
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Physical disabilities or reduced mobility
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Amputation or limb weakness
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Medical conditions affecting driving ability
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Age-related changes in function
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Developmental or intellectual disabilities
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Mental health conditions where driving capacity is uncertain
Families may seek an assessment if they are concerned about a loved one's safety, however, referrals must come from the doctor. Doctors may request an OT driving assessment as part of a medical fitness-to-drive review.
What happens in a driving assessment?
The Off-Road Assessment
We check your vision, physical strength, reaction times, and cognitive skills like memory and attention. This helps us understand any potential risks before we get behind the wheel.
The On-Road Assessment
The second part is a practical drive in a dual-controlled vehicle with a driving instructor and the OT. We observe your driving in various traffic conditions. We start off in quiet streets where you are familar before progressing to various traffic conditions to in your local area to see how you manage real-world situations.
Legal requirements in Queensland
In Queensland, the law requires drivers to report any medical condition that might affect their driving to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Occupational Therapy assessments follow the national 'Assessing Fitness to Drive' guidelines. Reports from the assessment are legally required to be sent to both your referring doctor and Queensland Transport to ensure your driver's license records are up to date and accurate.
Assessment outcomes and recommendations
The outcome of the assessment is based on evidence gathered during both the off-road and on-road sessions. Recommendations may include:
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Continuing to drive without restrictions
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Driving with specific conditions (like daylight hours only or within a 10km radius)
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Vehicle modifications
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Retiring from driving for safety reasons
Recommendations will be discussed with you after the drive has been completed, and then a written report is sent to your doctor and TMR.
Fees and funding
Assessment fees vary depending on the complexity and location. The fee for the driving instructor is included in pricing.
SEQ OT is a registered Medicare, DVA and NDIS provider.
Please reach out to us directly for a detailed quote based on your specific needs and location in the South East Queensland region.
Service Areas
We are based on the Gold Coast, but will service Brisbane, Ipswich, Beaudesert, Jimboomba and surrounds.