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Driving
Driving is often an important part of a person’s lifestyle, representing freedom and independence. It is, however, a complex task involving physical ability, vision, cognitive ability and emotional skills. Any changes or loss of function in any one of these abilities due to ageing, illness or injury, may affect a person’s ability to drive.
Sometimes people are not aware of changes in their abilities and need to be guided by their health professionals and family as to whether there may be concerns about their driving ability. Occupational therapists work to help people be as independent as possible in the activities of their everyday life. All OTs are registered health professionals and those who conduct driving assessments have completed specialised post-graduate training.
Search for Driving Interest Groups
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Useful Information and Resources
Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Jurisdictional Differences Guide
The information provided in this guide has been developed by the OTA National Driving Taskforce to help occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) navigate the legislation, regulations, and guidelines relevant to driving assessment and rehabilitation in their jurisdictions. It is solely for the use of Occupational Therapy Australia and its members.Please note that all OTDAs are expected to comply with the Australian Competency Standards for Driving Assessors even if they are not a stated requirement of the state or jurisdiction.
The information provided in this guide is current at the date of first publication and is intended for use as a guide of a general nature only. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information, no guarantee can be given that the information is free from error or omission, nor is this publication exhaustive of the subject matter. Members are advised to refer to Austroads and the transport authority in their jurisdiction for the most up to date information and guidelines.
The Road Ahead – A guide to occupational therapy driving assessments
OT Driving Assessments ebookFind an OT Driving Assessor in Queensland
Download our list of OT Driving Assessors in Queensland or visit our Find a Private Practice OT Directory. Please contact the practitioner directly to check availability and cost.Find an OT Driving Assessor in Victoria
Download our list of OT Driving Assessors in Victoria - this list is current as of October 2023 and replaces the January 2023 list. Please contact the practitioner directly to check availability and cost.VicRoads Medical Review - Assessing Fitness to Drive
VicRoads are responsible for the licensing of occupational therapists in Victoria who conduct driving assessments. Guidelines and information about this process and further resources for OTs is available on the VicRoads website.VicRoads Medical Conditions Information
Information and forms for those a medical condition or who may be taking medication that may affect the ability to drive safely.Licensing and driving for people with a disability
Information about the requirements for a person with a temporary disability to continue driving, and the requirements for a person with a permanent disability to obtain a licence for the first time.Australian Disability Parking Scheme
Information on the National Disabled Persons' Parking Scheme including how to use the permit and additional links to state specific programs.National Transport Commission Guidelines for Assessing Medical Fitness
The 'Assessing Fitness to Drive' publication is a joint publication of Austroads and the National Transport Commission (NTC) detailing the many factors contribute to safety on the road, driver health and fitness to drive and contains the nationally agreed medical standards for the purposes of driver licensing.Competency Standards for OT Driver Assessors
A comprehensive guide to the standards which represent the knowledge, skills, and attributes which the profession considers necessary for specialist occupational therapists to provide quality assessment and rehabilitation service for drivers with functional impairments.
OT driver assessors who are not OTA members, can request to access this content by emailing info@otaus.com.auVicRoads Occupational Therapy and Driving
The VicRoads website provides guidelines, assessment documents and other information to assist driving assessment OTs.NDSS Diabetes and Driving Booklet
The Diabetes and Driving booklet has been updated and is now available on the NDSS website.Victorian Trike Training and Assessment Curriculum Supplement
The Trike Training and Assessment Curriculum Supplement is designed to allow riders who are unable to ride a conventional two-wheel motorcycle due to a disability or medical condition to apply for a motorcycle licence or permit with a trike-only condition.The Trike Supplement must be used in conjunction with the Motorcycle Rider Handbook. It sets out the specific procedures for accredited motorcycle providers and Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors (OTDAs) to follow when working with these individuals. Applicants wishing to apply for a motorcycle licence with a trike-only condition need to be approved by the Department of Transport and Planning’s Medical Review team.
OTDAs are an important part of this process, and the trike training and assessment process that follows.
This Supplement supports the motorcycle licensing criteria which forms an important part of the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme (MGLS). The MGLS aims to keep everyone on our roads safer, by providing evidence-based pathways to get riders on the road with the skills, knowledge and licence type that will get them ready for a safe future of riding.
To find out more get in touch with the Medical Review team at medicalreview@roads.vic.gov.au
Also in this Section
Testing Routes - developed by Occupational Therapy Driving Assessors (your peers) for sharing.
