Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury doesn’t mean that you must give up driving. OT driving assessments play a crucial role in determining how an individual can safely and legally return to driving.

The Assessment Process

The OT driving assessment is composed of 3 parts:

  1. Off-road assessment involving visual, cognitive and physical tests.
  2. On-road driving assessment with OT and driving instructor in dual control vehicle and vehicle modifications (if required).
  3. OT report with recommendations, including driving lessons if needed. Your referring doctor and RMS also get copies of the report.

Vehicle modifications after a spinal cord injury

It is important to be driving legally and safely following a spinal cord injury.

Prescription of modifications

OT will prescribe vehicle modifications on your licence and inform RMS of these changes.

Driving lessons

You will need lessons to learn to drive with your modifications in all forms of traffic to prepare for the RMS disability driving test. You may need another OT assessment after your lessons.

Modifying your vehicle

We can refer you to a vehicle modifier who can install the modifications into your vehicle. We are NDIS registered so can help you apply to NDIS to fund these supports.

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FAQ

Yes, many people with spinal cord injuries can drive in NSW after recovery, but it depends on the injury level, functional abilities, and vehicle adaptations—no fixed waiting period exists.​

Notify Transport for NSW (RMS) immediately, submit a Fitness to Drive medical assessment from your doctor assessing vision, cognition, strength, coordination, and sensation, and undergo an Occupational Therapy (OT) driving assessment with off-road tests and on-road evaluation in a modified dual-control vehicle.​

A conditional licence may be issued requiring hand controls.

Common modifications for spinal cord injury drivers in NSW include hand controls for accelerator and brakes, spinner knobs or joysticks for steering, power transfer seats for wheelchair access, wheelchair ramps or lifts, and voice-activated secondary controls.​

An Occupational Therapy (OT) driving assessment identifies the right adaptations based on your injury level (e.g., above T12 may restrict driving above 25°C without air-conditioning), followed by RMS approval and installation by certified modifiers.​

Funding options like NDIS, iCare, or Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme can cover costs; notify RMS and complete a medical fitness assessment first for a conditional licence.

Yes, you can drive from a wheelchair in NSW with the proper vehicle modifications and assessments. Many wheelchair users drive adapted vehicles equipped with features such as hand controls, wheelchair lifts or ramps, swivel seats, and steering aids to accommodate their needs safely and comfortably.​

To drive from a wheelchair, you must notify Transport for NSW (RMS), submit a Fitness to Drive medical assessment completed by your doctor, and complete an Occupational Therapy (OT) driving assessment. This OT assessment evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle using your wheelchair and any modified controls. If successful, RMS will issue a conditional licence specifying any restrictions or adaptations required.​

Funding from schemes like the NDIS or Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme may be available to assist with vehicle modifications