Introduction If you have been asked to participate in an occupational therapy driving assessment, there is no need to panic. These assessments are more common than you may think. It is a comprehensive and tailored evaluation that will tell you if you’re safe driving because of a medical condition or disability. In this article, we’ll [...]
How you might be affected driving after a stroke Stroke can affect the three areas required to operate a vehicle; it can affect your vision, your cognition (thinking) skills, and your physical abilities. Driving after a stroke is a delicate process that must be carefully planned and assessed. Operating a vehicle is a complex task requiring [...]
Introduction It can be frightening to think about getting back on the road after a brain injury. For many people, driving is a way of life and a significant part of their identity. However, it’s essential to understand that there are risks associated with driving after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including the following: [...]
Do you need a driving assessment? Many people are not aware that in NSW, any disability, serious injury or medical condition that potentially reduces your driving capacity is meant to be declared to the RMS. This is because you may require medical tests or assessments to start, continue to, or return to driving. This [...]
Every year, approximately 1000 people lose their lives on Australian roads (source: National Road Safety). As Australians travel every day, it can be easy to take road safety for granted which is why driver medicals are so essential. It is crucial to think about not only one’s personal behaviour when on the road but [...]
What are driver medical exams? If you have a medical diagnosis that affects (or potentially affects) your ability to drive safely, the RMS must be notified. If you are unsure if your medical condition is impacting on your driving, you should talk to your doctor. This applies to current drivers as well as those [...]
Background on dementia Dementia is a term that is used to characterize a range of medical conditions (including Alzheimer’s disease) and symptoms causing abnormal changes in the brain. Dementia affects one’s cognitive abilities (thinking skills), often made obvious by problems with memory, organization, speech and language, or decision-making skills. Dementia can also often affect [...]
While driving is a vital and necessary skill for many people, the ability to drive may be affected by your medical condition (or potential medical condition). It is crucial that if you have a diagnosed medical condition, or have concerns regarding your general health, you see your doctor for a medical assessment to further examine your driving capacity. [...]
What is a vehicle modification? Vehicle modifications are any changes made to a vehicle that transforms it from its original (manufacturer’s) condition. This can range from modifications to amend the performance and/or physical attributes of the vehicle (e.g. changes to the engine or exhaust system, or changing the body kit of the car), to [...]
Do you need an OT driving assessment? An occupational therapy (OT) driving assessment is required when someone has a medical diagnosis that potentially alters or influences their capacity to drive safely. In NSW, it is your responsibility to inform the RMS of any condition that may affect your driving ability. However, it is also common [...]
