Driving is an important part of our lives. Medical conditions and aging can change the way we move, think, see, and react, which may impact our driving safety. A Driving Rehab Specialist, an Occupational Therapist who has specialized training in driving rehabilitation, can help you understand and improve your driving abilities and confidence if you’re experiencing medical, physical, cognitive, or visual challenges.
Our comprehensive driving evaluation includes the following:
- Pre-driving evaluation to assess vision, perception, movement, reaction time, thinking, and sensation to ensure readiness for the road.
- Behind-the-wheel assessment in our driving rehab vehicle to ensure safety in various traffic scenarios (scheduled separately from pre-driving evaluation).
- Discussion of outcomes which can include return to driving, additional training, a hold on driving with plans to re-evaluate in the future, or driving retirement. Recommendations are shared with you and your referring physician.
Clients with the following conditions may benefit from a driving evaluation:
- Stroke
- Head injury
- Dementia
- Neuropathy
- Cognitive Impairment
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Anxiety
- Age-related medical conditions (arthritis, cardiopulmonary conditions)
We also offer training with adaptive equipment such as hand controls or spinner knobs for clients with physical limitations from MS, neuropathy, nerve injury, amputation, and some types of spinal cord injury.
Let’s Get Started
In order to start the process, we need a prescription from your doctor which serves as our permission to provide this service.
Our OT Driving Rehab Specialists come to you and complete the pre-driving assessment in the comfort of your own home. They serve Cape May and Atlantic counties, and can travel to surrounding counties for an additional fee. Prior to your appointment, you will speak to your therapist to discuss your diagnosis, goals, driving patterns, and limitations.
OT for driving evaluations and training are not covered by insurance. However, state funding may be available for certain clients through NJ Division of Vocational Rehab which must be initiated by the client prior to the evaluation. For those with neurological conditions, we encourage you to reach out to your local association to inquire about financial assistance.
Your driving rehab team:
Jennifer Pierpoint OTR/L DRS
Jessy Ohlsen OTR/L DRS
