Supporting Safe Driving under the NDIS: OT driving assessments
How OT driving assessments support NDIS participants
For many people living with disability, driving isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. It enables access to work, education, medical appointments, social activities, and community engagement. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), driving-related supports can be funded if their disability is impacting on driving.
An Occupational Therapy (OT) driving assessment is the essential first step. It provides a clinical, evidence-based evaluation of a person’s ability to drive safely and identifies what supports or vehicle modifications may be required.
OT driving assessments are conducted by driver trained occupational therapists who specialise in driver rehabilitation and vehicle modifications.
Can the NDIS fund driving lessons?
The NDIS Can fund specialised driver training/driving lessons. Lessons can be funded when a participant's driving is impacted by their disability. The NDIS may fund specialised driving lessons for learner drivers where additional training is recommended because of their disability, such as an intellectual disability. These driving lessons can also help the participant develop skills required to obtain their provisional driver’s licence.
Specialised driving lessons may also support participants returning to driving, learning to use vehicle modifications, or preparing for a Transport for NSW disability driving test. An OT driving assessment aims to identify if specialised driving lessons are suitable for participants as well as recommend the number of lessons the participant may require.
Who needs an OT driving assessment?
NDIS participants may be referred for an OT driving assessment if they experience:
- Neurological conditions (stroke, MS, Parkinson’s disease, brain injury)
- Physical disabilities affecting strength, coordination, or mobility
- Cognitive or perceptual challenges
- Autism, ADHD, or psychosocial disability
- Visual or perceptual impairment affecting driving
- Age-related functional decline
- A need for specialised vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment
Driving is a complex task. The assessment ensures participants can drive safely while receiving the right supports to maximise independence.
What’s Included in an NDIS OT Driving Assessment?
Off-Road Clinical Assessment
The OT visits the client at home. The OT reviews:
- Medical history and functional abilities
- Vision, cognition, reaction time, and decision-making
- Physical capacity to operate vehicle controls
- Current driving experience and goals
This stage helps the OT understand the participant’s strengths, challenges, and support needs and is important before the practical driving component.
On-Road Assessment
Conducted in a dual-controlled vehicle with a qualified driving instructor.
The OT looks at essential driving skills including:
- Hazard perception
- Speed control and lane positioning
- Response to traffic conditions
- Ability to follow road rules
- Physical ability to legally operate a vehicle and prescribe modifications or other adaptive equipment if needed
The goal is to determine whether the participant can drive safely, what training may help, and prescribe modifications if required.
Recommendations & Reporting
After the assessment, the OT provides:
- A clear explanation of results
- Recommendations for driving lessons, restrictions, or modifications
- A formal report for the NDIS, medical professionals, and licensing authorities (Transport for NSW)
This report is essential for funding approvals and licence requirements.
Reports are completed within 24 hours of the assessment.
From referral to NDIS funded driving lessons
Vehicle Modifications & NDIS Funding
Many NDIS participants require specialised vehicle modifications to drive safely. These may include:
- Hand controls
- Spinner knobs (steering wheel aids)
- Left-foot accelerators
- Electronic accelerator and brake controls
- Wheelchair hoists or ramps
- Custom seating or restraint systems
The OT driving assessment determines exactly what modifications are needed and provides the clinical justification required for NDIS funding. The OT also works closely with vehicle modifiers help the participant choose a vehicle that best suits their personal needs.
The NDIS may consider funding vehicle modifications where they are required because of the participant’s disability. Vehicle modifications can be funded when they enable a participant to drive safely or to travel safely as a passenger, including participants who travel while seated in their wheelchair. For these modifications the NDIS often require an Occupational Therapist to complete the NDIS Vehicle Modification Assessment Template. The form aims to ensure the modifications are compliant with NSW safety standards and suitable for the participant’s current and long-term needs.
How NDIS Funding Works
Driving supports may be funded under:
Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
For OT assessments and driver rehabilitation.
Capital Supports – Assistive Technology
For vehicle modifications and specialised equipment.
Support categories may vary depending on the structure of the participant’s individual NDIS plan
The OT’s report is used by the NDIS to assess eligibility and approve funding. As with any application, the report must outline how the recommended support or resource will enhance the participant’s independence, as well as meet the “reasonable and necessary” requirements of the scheme.
Benefits of OT Driving Assessments for NDIS Participants
- Safety first — Ensures participants can drive without risk to themselves or others.
- Goal-focused — Aligns driving capacity with NDIS goals and daily needs.
- Personalised support — Tailored recommendations based on individual abilities.
- Access to funding — Provides essential documentation for NDIS approval.
- Independence — Helps participants maintain or regain freedom and mobility.
- Confidence building — Supports learning, rehabilitation, and skill development.
Preparing for Your Assessment
Bring:
- Your driver’s licence
- Glasses, hearing aids, or mobility aids
- Relevant medical documents
- Any adaptive equipment you currently use
Get a good night’s sleep, take your usual medications, and try to stay relaxed.
Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS OT Driving Assessments
The questions participants, families and support coordinators ask us most often.
Does the NDIS fund OT driving assessments?
Yes. The NDIS can fund an OT driving assessment when there is a need to assess if a participants driving is affected by their disability. OT driving assessments are typically funded through Capacity Building supports.
Can the NDIS pay for driving lessons?
Yes. However, the NDIS does not fund general driving lessons simply to obtain a driver’s licence, such as standard lessons for a learner driver. Specialised driver training may be funded when additional training has been assessed to be necessary due to a participant’s disability.
Can the NDIS fund vehicle modifications?
Yes. Vehicle modifications, such as hand controls, may be funded when they are necessary because of a participant’s disability and meet NDIS funding criteria. These modifications can either enable a participant to meet the legal requirements for safe driving or to travel safely as a passenger.
Can NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants use Modified Driving Solutions?
Yes. Modified Driving Solutions is a registered NDIS provider. We work with NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants across Sydney.
How We Support NDIS Participants
Our service provides:
- NDIS-registered OT driving assessors
- Friendly, supportive clinical assessments
- Dual-controlled vehicle access
- Clear, detailed NDIS-ready reports
- Guidance through the licensing and funding process
- Collaboration with driving instructors and vehicle modification suppliers
We help participants navigate every step—from assessment to training to NDIS funding approval.