What Is an OT Driving Assessment?

OT DRIVING ASSESSMENTS BRISBANE

Professional on-road driving assessments in partnership with qualified Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors

GetUthere Driving School supports professional Occupational Therapy driving assessments across Brisbane, Logan and surrounding areas.

Working alongside qualified OT driver assessors, we provide the dual-control automatic vehicle, experienced driving-instructor support and a calm environment for the practical on-road component of your assessment.

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An Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment is a specialised assessment used to examine how a medical condition, injury, disability or change in function may affect a person’s ability to drive safely.

Driving is a complex activity that relies on vision, physical movement, attention, memory, judgement and decision-making. Occupational Therapists who conduct driving assessments are registered health professionals who have completed specialised postgraduate driver-assessment training.

An OT driving assessment commonly includes both a clinical or off-road assessment and a practical on-road assessment. The information gathered helps the OT provide recommendations to the referring doctor and, where required, the relevant licensing authority.

GetUthere Driving School works with the OT driver assessor during the practical component by providing an experienced driving instructor and a modern dual-control automatic vehicle.

Who May Need an OT Driving Assessment?

You may be referred for an OT driving assessment when an illness, injury or medical condition could affect your ability to drive safely.

Assessments may be suitable for people experiencing:

Stroke or acquired brain injury
Dementia, memory changes or cognitive impairment
Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Neurological conditions
Physical disability or reduced mobility
Changes in vision or visual perception
Recovery following surgery, illness or injury
Age-related changes affecting driving
A return to driving after an extended break
A request from a doctor, specialist or licensing authority
The possible need for vehicle modifications or driving restrictions

National fitness-to-drive standards recognise that vision, physical ability and cognitive capacity are central to safe driving, and include medical guidance for neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, vision and other conditions.

How the OT Driving Assessment Works

1. Referral or Initial Enquiry

Contact GetUthere Driving School or your Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor to discuss the reason for the assessment, your preferred location and any documentation you may need.

A medical report or clearance from your treating doctor or specialist may be required before the practical assessment. An eyesight report may also be requested in some circumstances.

2. Clinical or Off-Road Assessment

The qualified OT driver assessor completes the clinical component. This may consider:

Your medical and driving history
Vision and visual perception
Physical movement and coordination
Attention, memory and concentration
Decision-making and judgement
Knowledge of road rules
The possible need for vehicle modifications

The exact assessment is tailored to your circumstances and referral.

3. On-Road Driving Assessment

The practical assessment is completed in a dual-control vehicle.

You will drive with an experienced driving instructor in the front passenger seat while the OT driver assessor observes and records information about your driving performance.

The assessment may consider vehicle control, observation, road positioning, speed selection, hazard response, decision-making and your ability to manage everyday traffic situations.

Occupational Therapy Australia describes the standard on-road arrangement as the client driving, a qualified driving instructor in the front passenger seat and the driver-trained OT observing from the rear.

4. Feedback and Professional Recommendations

Following the assessment, the Occupational Therapist discusses the outcome with you and prepares any required report or recommendations.

Recommendations may include:

Continuing to drive without further intervention
Driving lessons or rehabilitation
Further assessment or review
Vehicle modifications
Licence conditions or restrictions
A gradual return-to-driving program
Alternative transport planning when driving is no longer considered safe

The OT provides professional findings and recommendations; the relevant driver licensing authority makes the final licensing decision. In Queensland, doctors also play a key role in assessing medical fitness to drive and recommending licence conditions where appropriate.

Our OT Assessment Vehicle

Modern Dual-Control Automatic Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Your on-road assessment is completed in a comfortable, air-conditioned GetUthere Toyota Corolla Hybrid equipped with professional dual controls.

The vehicle provides:

🚗 Automatic transmission
🦶 Professional dual controls
❄️ Air conditioning
🪑 Comfortable seating
👀 Good visibility
🛡️ Modern safety features
📍 Familiarisation time before the assessment

We understand that driving an unfamiliar vehicle can feel stressful. Your instructor will help you become comfortable with the vehicle and its controls before the assessment begins.

Why Choose GetUthere Driving School?

A Professional and Supportive Assessment Environment

GetUthere Driving School provides calm, respectful and patient support throughout the on-road assessment.

Experienced Driving-Instructor Support

Your practical assessment is supported by an experienced local driving instructor familiar with Brisbane and Logan roads.

Modern Dual-Control Vehicle

Our automatic Toyota Corolla Hybrid provides a safe and comfortable environment for the on-road component.

Individualised Approach

Every client is treated with dignity and given clear instructions, familiarisation time and support appropriate to their needs.

Local Brisbane and Logan Knowledge

Assessments can be arranged across our established service area, using suitable routes that allow the OT to observe a range of everyday driving skills.

Clear Communication

We work collaboratively with clients, families, Occupational Therapists, doctors and other health professionals to help the assessment run smoothly.

Referrals from Health Professionals

OT Driving Assessment Referrals

GetUthere Driving School welcomes enquiries and referrals from:

Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors
General practitioners
Medical specialists
Hospitals and rehabilitation services
Allied health professionals
Insurers and rehabilitation providers
Support coordinators
Families and carers
Private clients

We can provide an experienced driving instructor and dual-control automatic vehicle for the on-road component of an Occupational Therapy driving assessment.

Contact GetUthere Driving School to discuss availability, vehicle requirements, assessment location and coordination with the treating or assessing Occupational Therapist.

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OT Driving Assessment Service Areas

GetUthere Driving School supports OT driving assessments across Brisbane South, Logan and surrounding suburbs, including:

Sunnybank, Sunnybank Hills, Eight Mile Plains, Underwood, Springwood, Daisy Hill, Shailer Park, Slacks Creek, Logan Central, Loganholme, Loganlea, Meadowbrook, Browns Plains, Regents Park, Greenbank, Park Ridge, Waterford, Bethania and surrounding areas.

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What Should I Bring?

Your OT driver assessor will confirm exactly what is required. You may be asked to bring:

Your current driver licence or learner licence
Medical documentation or referral
Glasses or contact lenses normally used for driving
Hearing aids, if required
Comfortable footwear
Any prescribed mobility aids
Information about medications
Relevant vehicle-modification information

Occupational Therapy Australia advises that a medical report, current licence and any required corrective aids may be needed, depending on the assessment circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for an OT driving assessment?

A referral or medical report from your doctor or specialist is commonly required. The OT driver assessor may need confirmation of your medical condition and that you are medically suitable to undertake the practical assessment. Contact us before booking so the required documentation can be confirmed.

Is an OT driving assessment the same as a driving test?

No. It is not a standard learner licence test. It is a specialised assessment examining how your health and functional abilities may affect safe driving.

Is the assessment only for older drivers?

No. Drivers of any age may require an assessment after an illness, injury, disability, diagnosis or change in physical, visual or cognitive function.

Does GetUthere decide whether I keep my licence?

No. GetUthere provides the driving instructor and dual-control vehicle for the on-road component. The OT driver assessor provides findings and recommendations, while the licensing authority makes decisions about licence status.

Will I automatically lose my licence if I am referred?

No. Being referred does not automatically mean your licence will be cancelled. The purpose is to gather clear information about your ability to drive and determine whether support, rehabilitation, modifications or conditions may help you continue driving safely.

How long does an assessment take?

The time varies according to your circumstances. The clinical and on-road components may occur on the same day or on separate days. Your OT driver assessor will provide the expected timeframe when arranging your appointment.

Can I use my own vehicle?

Most on-road assessments are conducted in a suitably equipped dual-control assessment vehicle. Different arrangements may be required when a client uses specialised vehicle modifications. Discuss this with the OT before your appointment.

What happens after the assessment?

The OT will normally provide feedback and prepare a report containing the assessment findings and recommendations. The report may be sent to your referring doctor and, where required, the transport authority.

Do Queensland drivers over 75 need a medical certificate?

Queensland drivers aged 75 or older must carry a current medical certificate whenever they drive and comply with any conditions listed on it.

Book an OT Driving Assessment in Brisbane

Whether you are returning to driving after an illness or injury, completing a medical review or seeking professional guidance about your driving ability, GetUthere Driving School provides calm and professional on-road assessment support.